LIRR schedule changes aim to fix problems that arose from Grand Central opening
The MTA and LIRR implemented schedule changes across the system Tuesday, including new express service from Oyster Bay.
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More Long Island Rail Road schedule changes took effect Tuesday, in an effort to correct problems that arose from the opening of Grand Central Madison earlier this year.
The MTA said one of the adjustments will address complaints about LIRR service in Oyster Bay. For the first time, a morning express train will run directly from Oyster Bay to Jamaica.
Other revisions across the LIRR system include adding express trains to Jamaica from Hicksville, restoring some Brooklyn trains on several branches, and rerouting some current Grand Central trains to Penn Station.
Gerard Bringmann, chair of the LIRR Commuter Council, has mixed feelings about the changes. He said it's good the railroad is listening to riders, but not everyone will be happy.
He said there's room for more improvements, like better-timed connections at Jamaica so riders don't face long waits if they miss a connection after work.
The MTA says it is listening to Long Island Rail Road commuter feedback and adjusting schedules accordingly.
Morning commuters who caught the 7:27 a.m. train to Manhattan from Roslyn were amongst the first to experience an express train on the Oyster Bay line.
Roslyn resident Justin Smith described the schedule change as "good" adding, "Waiting for the train at Jamaica used to take 10 minutes, now it's getting cut a little shorter than that. Splits up the times a little better. I think there's more work to be done, but it's a step in the right direction."
MTA spokesperson David Steckel released a statement saying, "This morning's rush hour went well. The LIRR heard from customers who were pleased to have more direct trains to Atlantic Terminal and the new Oyster Bay Branch express train. The LIRR will continue to monitor ridership data and input from our customers to identify future improvements where possible."
LIRR riders should check their schedules before leaving for work and returning home, as some trains are being re-routed from Grand Central Madison to Penn Station.
There are also additional trains heading to Brooklyn and Queens.
To see the full list of changes, click here.
