LIRR Offers Extra Thanksgiving Weekend Service; Off-Peak & Family Fares In Effect, Early Getaway Trains Wednesday
Thanksgiving is always a time for reflection and giving thanks, especially this year, as the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy are still being felt by many on Long Island and in the region. There is comfort in knowing that there are some traditions you can count on – like the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC and extra LIRR train service to get you to/from your holiday destinations.
Additional trains will operate on Wednesday, November 21 and on Thanksgiving Day, November 22; and, as an extra bonus, off-peak fares will be in effect for the entire four-day holiday weekend.
On Black Friday, November 23, traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the LIRR will run a near-normal weekday train schedule with off-peak fares in effect all day – including the special Family Fare discount. Under the Family Fare program, up to four children, ages 5-11, can ride trains that day for the advance purchase fare of 75 cents each (One-Way) when accompanied by a fare-paying parent or guardian. Weekly and monthly ticket holders just pay for the kids. Children under five ride free. Remember these travel tips:
- Buy Before Boarding: Round-Triptickets & MetroCards can be purchased in advance to save time and money.
- Use one of the LIRR’s extra trains. On Wednesday, November 21, nine extra trains depart Penn Station between 2:08 PM and 3:48 PM, and one extra train departs from Hunterspoint Avenue at 4:06 PM, for customers getting an early start to the weekend. On Thanksgiving Day, twenty-two extra trains are being added to the holiday schedule for those attending the Parade or visiting their families – including nine extra westbound and 14 extra eastbound trains.
- Be sober and responsible. Open alcoholic beverage containers will not be allowed on LIRR trains, platforms or at stations from 8 PM, Wednesday, November 21 through 5 AM, Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), November 22. MTA Police will enforce this restriction.
Extra LIRR Weekend Trains Thru End of the Year
As our holiday gift to you, the LIRR is adding extra weekend trains to make travel to/from New York City more convenient for shopping, dining and entertainment. The extra weekend service is being added on six weekends: Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 8-9, Dec.15-16, Dec. 22-23 & Dec. 29-30. It includes:
- Babylon Branch: Overnight train to Babylon, departing Penn Station at 1:13 AM, will be added for customers heading home after late night events in the city.
- Port Jefferson Branch: Overnight train to Huntington, departing Penn Station at 2:44 AM, will be added for customers heading home after late night events in the city
- Port Washington Branch: Eight extra trains are being added on Saturdays/Sundays. Four westbounds between 9 AM - 1 PM, and four eastbounds between
4 PM and 8 PM. These additional trains provide half-hourly service during this holiday travel period. - Ronkonkoma Branch: Three westbound Farmingdale to Penn Station trains will be added to Saturday/Sunday schedules between 10 AM - 1 PM and three westbound Penn Station to Farmingdale trains will be added between 4 PM - 7 PM.
Long Beach Branch
Due to severe flood damage to the electrical substations on the Long Beach Branch, the LIRR will be providing diesel shuttle train service between Long Beach and Lynbrook, 5 AM - 9 PM, on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, and on Friday, November 23. Buses will replace trains between Long Beach and Lynbrook on Thanksgiving Day and on the weekend. The LIRR is continuing to repair three of four electrical substations damaged by Sandy, along with switches and other vital equipment, to return electric train service to the branch as soon as possible.
Save on Holiday Fun with LIRR Deals & Getaways
There's still plenty of time to make special plans for the 2012 Holiday Season and we’re here to help.
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular® "The Rockettes Celebration"! runs thru December 30. For $10 off and a free LIRR ride to select performances, mention code LIRR when buying your event tickets at the box office, or online at www.radiocitychristmas.com.
- Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical!
Discover the joy of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. For $10 off and a free LIRR ride to select performances, mention code LIRR when buying your event tickets at the box office, or online at theateratmsg.com/lirr. - A Christmas Story, The Musical!
At the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, now thru December 30. Buy tickets online or by phone through Ticket Master using special code XLIRR and ride the LIRR free. - Harry Potter: The Exhibition
This holiday season, experience firsthand the magic of Hogwarts™ with your loved ones during the most special time of the year. Marvel at over 200 authentic props and costumes from the Harry Potter™ films, including some newly added never-before-seen artifacts from the epic series finale! There’s no place like Hogwarts™ for the holidays. The “Discovery Times Square” Discount Package Includes up to 46% savings. Some restrictions apply to these deals, see here for details … or call 511 and say “LIRR”. Happy Holidays.
MTA's Long Island Fare Hearing Rescheduled for November 27
The MTA is holding public hearings on proposed changes in fares, crossing charges, and service levels. The Long Island hearing, originally postponed because of Hurricane Sandy, has been rescheduled and will take place on Tuesday, November 27, at the Melville Marriott Hotel, 1350 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747. The hearing will begin at 5 PM and continue until all registered speakers have been heard. Speakers may register online in advance at www.mta.info or by phone at 718-521-3333. Speakers can also register in person on the night of the hearing itself. The registration table will be open 4-8 PM. To get there, take the LIRR’s Ronkonkoma Branch to Farmingdale. Shuttle buses, courtesy of MTA Bus, will provide transportation between the LIRR’s Farmingdale Station and the hearing site.
Escalator Safety
November is Escalator Safety Month, and we suggest that you heed these safety tips:
- Check the direction of the escalator before stepping onto it
- Always hold the handrail
- Always hold children by the hand
- Stay clear of moving parts
- Stand upright, never lean or sit
- Do not place luggage, or packages on escalator steps
- Exit promptly, stepping carefully over the landing plate
- Don’t be distracted by personal electronic devices and cell phones
September OTP
Overall OTP for October was 95.34%.
| Monthly OTP BRANCH |
AM Peak |
PM Peak |
Off- Peak |
Total October 2012 |
Total October 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon | 97.3% | 90.6% | 94.3% | 94.3% | 94.9% |
| Far Rockaway | 96.4% | 98.9% | 98.5% | 98.2% | 97.6% |
| Hicksville/Huntington | 95.3% | 91.4% | 94.5% | 94.2% | 93.3% |
| Hempstead | 97.5% | 98.9% | 99.0% | 98.8% | 96.8% |
| Long Beach | 97.7% | 94.5% | 96.6% | 96.5% | 96.6% |
| Montauk | 91.9% | 86.9% | 94.4% | 93.2% | 91.2% |
| Oyster Bay | 98.6% | 90.8% | 96.6% | 96.1% | 93.1% |
| Port Jefferson | 92.5% | 85.7% | 92.9% | 91.9% | 91.6% |
| Port Washington | 95.8% | 94.2% | 96.6% | 96.1% | 96.4% |
| Ronkonkoma/Greenport | 97.2% | 91.0% | 93.4% | 93.8% | 91.3% |
| West Hempstead | 100.0% | 90.0% | 96.6% | 95.8% | 97.6% |
| TOTAL | 96.5% | 92.3% | 95.7% | 95.3% | 94.7% |
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