New LIRR Line Brings Changes, Chaos and Confusion

altered the original destination station to Grand Central. With the new designated Atlantic Terminal tracks comes confusion, marathon transfers, overcrowding, and longer commute times; making it a huge inconvenience for many living in Rochdale and particularly for those who need to go to Brooklyn or Penn Station from Queens.

new service plan is a big change for our Brooklyn and Penn Station customers. We are paying close attention to ridership data, including service options to and from Brooklyn during peak periods. We have already started to lengthen our busiest trains and will continue to monitor ridership patters under the new schedule to see what future adjustments may be necessary.”

by CyntHia bernadine

The new Grand Central Madison LIRR line was welcomed with excitement on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. However, excitement quickly turned to resentment as commuters on one branch of the LIRR say it has made their commutes worse.

Over 1000 people have signed an online petition saying that their commute has gotten longer and more difficult since the completion of the billion-dollar MTA project.

The petition calls to restore the LIRR Far Rockaway line back to its original times and connections on the regular tracks. The line that serves Rochdale Village had undergone a route change that

In a statement to the press, LIRR Interim Presi- dent Catherine Rinaldi stated, “We’re closely monitoring train operations and ridership data every day. These new schedules are the largest overhaul of timetables in the LIRR’s history. While we are thrilled many people are saving time on their commute with the opening of Grand Central Madison, we understand that the

The petition has collected enough online signatures for it to be sent to elected officials to be reviewed. However, continuing to gather signatures will help increase the chance of getting the word out.

If you would like to sign the petition you can at https://www. change.org/p/restore-lirr-farrockaway-line-back-to-atlanticterminal.