New LIRR Schedule Goes into Effect on May 17

LIRR customers are advised to pay special attention to the new May 17 schedules as they include train cancellations and other adjustments related to budget reductions. Additional timetable changes are necessary to accommodate spring and summer track work and construction projects.

The service reductions included in the May 17 timetable change were required to address the MTA's nearly $800 million budget shortfall for 2010. The LIRR developed reductions that will improve efficiency while attempting to minimize the adverse impact to customers. Further budget-related service reductions are scheduled to take effect in mid-September. A news release detailing those changes will be issued later this year.

These service reductions were proposed in December 2009. After a series of public hearings were held in early March 2010 on the proposed changes, the MTA Board approved the service reductions on March 24.

The changes on the Port Washington Branch due to the reductions include the 4:43 p.m. train from Penn Station to Port Washington being canceled. Customers can instead take the 4:22 p.m. train from Penn Station. Later options include the 4:46 p.m. train for those heading to Great Neck. Customers traveling to the Manhasset, Plandome and Port Washington stations can take the train departing from Penn Station at 5:11 p.m.

Following the completion of track tie replacement work between Woodside and Bayside, half-hourly mid-day service has been restored on weekdays on the Port Washington line. Departure time will be moved 10 minutes earlier to accommodate track work between Bayside and Great Neck as well. However, beginning Sept. 13, 2010 as part of the service reductions being implemented for the 2010 budget, the half-hourly weekday off-peak and weekend Port Washington branch service will be reduced to hourly service.
 
Customers should pick up a copy of the May 17 through Sept. 12, 2010 timetable for their branches at stations and terminals. Schedule information is also available from the LIRR's 24-hour Travel Information Center at 516-822-LIRR. The Travel Information Center's TDD telephone number for the hearing impaired is 718-558-3022. Customers may also consult the LIRR Web site at www.mta.info/lirr.