While broken rails are typical during bitterly cold weather, some say the LIRR has cut costs that are leading to even more delays due to the breaks.

The union that represents track workers says the LIRR cut overnight emergency track crews this winter, from three -- spread out across Long Island -- to just one that is based in Mineola. That means, the union says, if there is more than one broken rail overnight, emergency repair crews get delayed, causing slowdowns during the morning rush.

Over the past couple of days, the LIRR has temporarily added additional overnight emergency crews because of the cold snap.

But Smart Transportation leader Anthony Simon says at least three emergency crews should be on duty through the winter.

LIRR President Phillip Eng says he sympathizes with riders and pledges that the railroad is working very hard to keep delays to a minimum. He also says he's looking at staffing solutions for the future.