The LIRR is adding more shuttle trains to Brooklyn after chaos in the first week of Grand Central Madison service
NEW YORK — The Long Island Rail Road is increasing rush-hour service to Brooklyn, extending trains serving Penn Station and adding cars to all trains that exceeded capacity last week.
It is also promising to improve customer service at Jamaica Station.
As Monday’s evening commute peaked, CBS2 saw a rush to board trains for trips that some say are longer and more crowded.
It was a new day, a new round of LIRR changes.
“It doesn’t get any better,” said rider Kami Ohebshalom.
READ MORE: LIRR commuters hope Hochul, the MTA lives up to their word and next week̵[ads1]7;s changes improve service
Three shuttle trains were brought back up to speed after days of chaos and connected tracks, as a result of route changes and the new Grand Central Madison terminal.
“You miss a shuttle, that’s another 20 minutes you have to wait,” said Julia Saka of Wantagh.
“It’s just a heavier commute going in and out every day,” added Haynes Harris of Baldwin.
Since our new schedule went into effect last week, we’ve been monitoring ridership 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 more chaos.
“You need to get this fixed. People need to get to work,” said Laura Gorman of Northport.
Frustrated commuters have taken to social media to share videos of train carriages with no available seats and overcrowded platforms.
The MTA has added cars. Trains that had eight now have 10. Trains with 10 get 12, and so on, increasing the chances of getting seats.
Some riders said they have been forced to change stations and travel times.
“I have to wake up early and I come to work later,” said one woman.
“We’re all outraged. The community is outraged,” Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino said as he led a meeting to demand better service. “The communities on the Oyster Bay line already face limited Long Island Rail Road service due to its miles of electrified track. The schedule changes make an existing problem worse.”
MTA customer service agents are visible on platforms answering questions, but what commuters are demanding are return plans with more direct point A to point B service, without detours.
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