A new rule passed with the state budget is keeping the Long Island Rail Road accountable for its on-time performance.

Currently, if an LIRR train is less than six minutes late to a station, it's still considered on time. State lawmakers have changed that time to two minutes as part of the MTA Rail Act.

State Sen. James Gaughran says the act also calls for a major audit of the LIRR's performance.

The auditors will be investigating fraud, practices for budgeting salaries and spending on design and construction.

LIRR commuters hope the new act will put the railroad on track to better service.

State lawmakers say the new time standard will take effect in six months. The audit is expected to be completed by next January.