LIRR reverses decision to reduce service; 'previous timetable' to return March 29
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The Long Island Railroad on Tuesday reversed its decision to reduce train service amid an outcry from commuters concerned about overcrowding.
The LIRR on Monday cut service by an additional 5% due to an ongoing pandemic-related drop in ridership.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, however, LIRR President Phil Eng said the agency would "restore [its] previous timetable on March 29."
"We heard our customers' concerns about our new schedule loud and clear," he said. "In the meantime, we will continue to strategically add additional trains and lengthen trains to meet evolving ridership levels."
"As declining COVID-19 cases and increased deployment of the vaccine allows New Yorkers to fully reopen, customers should expect to see more riders returning to trains every day, an we look forward to it," he added.
The LIRR's reversal came shortly after Gov. Andrew Cuomo called on the agency to walk back its service cuts.
"There are a lot of reports of overcrowded trains. We don't want overcrowded trains, especially during this period of COVID," Cuomo said at a news briefing.
"I understand the financial constraints. I understand there's a reduced ridership," he added. "But it's smarter to have fewer people on a train during this period, even if it's not cost-effective."
