LIRR Service Changes Begin Due To Coronavirus

As of Friday, March 27, the Long Island Rail Road has reduced its services following a continued drop in ridership due to the coronavirus.

Under the new “MTA Essential Service Plan,” Long Island Rail Road will have over 500 weekday trains running, compared to a typical weekday of over 740 trains, effective immediately. The LIRR will also have crews and equipment on standby to supplement service if necessary.

"LIRR's dedicated workforce will continue to move essential workers and those who need to care for loved ones as we fight to flatten the curve," Long Island Rail Road President Phillip Eng said . “This new service pattern will continue to get customers where they need to be, and at the same time help us better ensure that our workforce is safe and healthy and able to continue this vital service."

According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Long Island Rail Road has seen a decline of 76 percent in ridership since the pandemic began.

To better protect MTA workers, officials said all ticket windows remain closed until further notice to encourage riders to use their apps or ticket machines rather than cash.

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