NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- LIRR announced late Monday night that it would add nine trains between two rail lines beginning on Tuesday, after cuts and a newly reduced schedule created crowding and COVID concerns.
There will be three trains will be added between the Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson and Hempstead lines.
Four trains were also added to the Babylon branch as well as more stops to two trains from Speonk.
"Today was the first day we implemented the new schedule and we are committed to continually adjusting as riders return," the LIRR said.
LIRR customers reported delays and crowding on trains as a result of its reduced service schedule that went into effect on Monday with trains running less frequently across all 11 branches.
"So like does covid not exist on trains? why is the #LIRR allowing this?," one customer wrote on Twitter.
"The new schedules will provide continued service on all 11 branches, and will allow us to operate more efficiently while supporting critical infrastructure work, including rail tie replacement, construction of a new train storage track in Massapequa, and work related to the ongoing construction of a third track between Hicksville and Floral Park," the MTA had said about the schedule change.
Service had been reduced after ridership plummeted 76 percent from before the pandemic but according to Anthony Simon, the LIRR's union boss, service cuts were just risking people's health.
"They're taking the lives of people in their own hands so that they can run a skeleton schedule," Simon said.