NEW YORK — The Long Island Rail Road is increasing rush hours to Brooklyn, lengthening trains serving Penn Station and adding cars to all trains that exceeded capacity last week.
Improved customer service at Jamaica Station also shows promise.
As evening commutes peaked Monday, CBS2 saw a rush to board trains for rides that some say are longer and more crowded.
It was another day, another round of LIRR changes.
“It doesn’t get any better,” said driver Kami Ohebshalom.
CONTINUE READING: LIRR commuters are hoping Hochul, MTA lives up to their words and next week’s changes will improve service
Three shuttle trains began operating after days of chaos and congested tracks caused by schedule changes and the new Grand Central Madison terminal.
“If you miss a shuttle, you still have to wait 20 minutes,” said Julia Saka of Wantagh.
“It’s just a harder commute, in and out every day,” added Baldwin’s Haynes Harris.
Since our new schedule went into effect last week, we’ve been monitoring rider numbers and listening to your feedback. Based…
Posted by MTA LIRR on Sunday March 5, 2023
While some told CBS2 they are seeing service improvements, others described Monday as rather chaotic.
“They have to fix this. People have to get to work,” said Northport’s Laura Gorman.
Frustrated commuters have shared videos of train cars with no available seats and crowded platforms on social media.
The MTA added cars. Trains that had 8 now have 10. Trains with 10 get 12 and so on, increasing the chances of getting seats.
Some drivers said they were forced to change stations and travel times.
“I have to get up early and go to work later,” said one woman.
“We are all outraged. The community is outraged,” said Oyster Bay supervisor Joe Saladino as he led a rally to demand better service. “Communities on the Oyster Bay line are already facing limited Long Island Rail Road service due to the miles of electrified route. The timetable changes exacerbate an existing problem.”
MTA customer service agents are visible on platforms answering questions, but what commuters are demanding are rollback schedules with more direct service from point A to point B, without detours.
CLICK HERE for the latest timetables and service updates.
David Carlin