HICKSVILLE, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Long Island Rail Road commuters will have more space when they head to work beginning Monday, as the agency has officially rolled back its most recent service cuts.
Three weeks ago, photos surfaced showing commuters standing shoulder to shoulder on LIRR trains, as those trying to get to work were left without any social distancing room when the LIRR cut several trains from service.
Dozens of commuters expressed outrage over the commuting situation, including Sheena, from the Bronx, who says it was concerning to possibly be exposed to COVID after working in a hospital all day.
“I appreciate them going back to a normal schedule to allow everyone to social distance,” she said. “It's just not realistic considering how many people are in New York you know to have these trains that are not coming as often as they need to be.”
A total of 68 trains have been put back into service and commuters say they are feeling much more comfortable getting to and from work.
Philip Eng, president of the LIRR, last week was at the Hicksville train station to talk about the return to normal service, and also promote updates to the agency’s Train Time app.
LIRR customers will now find a slew of new real-time information via the app, including the passenger count on each car and audio messages and displays that show which car has the most available seats.
The app also expands accessibility for disabled users by helping them to locate elevators, escalators and ramps on both origin and destination platforms. It also gives them the ability to map out a trip in advance to position themselves in the ideal spot.
Last week, Eng says studies show that by 2024, the MTA may see a 86% return to pre-pandemic ridership levels.
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