URGENT UPDATE: Train service is significantly disrupted this weekend on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), affecting multiple branches. The changes, initiated early Saturday morning and lasting until 2:15 a.m. on Monday, are aimed at facilitating crucial signal upgrade work, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
For commuters on the Port Jefferson Branch, service is completely suspended between Mineola and Huntington. Hourly shuttle buses will provide alternative transportation and will stop at Hicksville, Syosset, and Cold Spring Harbor. Passengers should note that there will be no LIRR service at Carle Place and Westbury. The MTA recommends utilizing the NICE n22, n24, or n35 buses to access these stations, which will accept LIRR tickets at no additional cost.
Moreover, limited shuttle bus service will be available overnight for those needing transportation at these affected stops.
On the Ronkonkoma Branch, train schedules are severely altered, with trains running every two hours between Penn Station and Ronkonkoma. These trains will be rerouted via the south shore. Commuters traveling between the Jamaica and Farmingdale stations should be aware that trains will change direction twice, but will not stop at any stations during this segment.
Passengers are advised to allocate an extra 50 minutes for their journeys due to these changes. The MTA has also announced that there will be no train service at Bethpage; instead, riders must catch a train at either the Farmingdale or Seaford stations.
With the clock ticking, commuters are urged to plan ahead and check the MTA website for the latest updates on train schedules and service disruptions.
This weekend’s service changes highlight the ongoing efforts to improve transit infrastructure, but they also present considerable challenges for thousands of travelers. Make sure to share this information with fellow commuters to help them navigate the disruptions effectively.
