Long Island Rail Road or LIRR

The Long Island Rail Road or LIRR is a commuter rail system that serves the length of Long Island, New York. It is known as the busiest commuter railroad in the United States, servicing around 81 million passengers each year, and the oldest railroad still operating under its original name. It is owned by the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) (Long Island Rail Road). It marked its 170th Anniversary in 2004. The Long Island Rail Road serves more than 100 stations with a schedule that knows no breaks. Some 700 trains carry a quarter of a million people taking them to and from jobs, homes, schools, sporting events, concerts, beaches, Broadway shows, and the multitude of other attractions around the New York metropolitan region.

The history of what is now the LIRR begins on April 25, 1832 when the Brooklyn and Jamaica RR Company was incorporated and started building its ten-mile long route from the East River in Brooklyn along Atlantic Ave. to Jamaica. Two years later, on April 24, 1834 the Long Island Rail Road Company was formed. In the 19th century, the Long Island Rail Road was consolidated from a number of railroads at that time. The Pennsylvania Railroad bought a controlling interest in 1900, as part of a joint plan to provide direct access to Manhattan. After the Second World War, the LIRR became an increasing financial burden on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and eventually became bankrupt. It was then the LIRR was purchased by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1966.

The Long Island Rail Road is not just about commuting. It also offers excellent vacation ideas and packages. Go sightseeing in air-conditioned and escorted comfort, see the museums and bright lights of Manhattan or laze on some scenic beaches. Get rid of stress and refresh your mind with a day's vacation arranged by the Long Island Rail Road. The Hamptons Service is an experience to savor and you can take the Belmont Park Package for the races. Convenient bus connections to the Station can save parking hassles. Weekend deals are available for travel within city limits and there is a new connection to the JKF airport as well.

There are several recent investments in the Railroad's infrastructure have brought to improved service and added convenience to the Railroad's customers. All of the Railroad's new state-of-the-art M-7 electric MU cars have arrived, providing customers with improved levels of comfort and convenience. Aside from it, the Railroad is now preparing for the future with several major projects in work.

The Port Authority's new AirTrain allows a convenient rail link between the LIRR's Jamaica hub and JFK International Airport. As part of this project, Jamaica Station underwent an extensive rebuilding, transforming this significant hub into a first-class transportation capability allowing fast, easy connections between LIRR trains, AirTrain JFK, and NYC Transit subway and bus service. The Flatbush Avenue Terminal rehabilitation will provide Brooklyn customers with a modern, efficient facility. And the East Side Access Project will eventually also bring LIRR trains to Grand Central Terminal, allowing direct LIRR service to the east side of Manhattan.

Long Island Rail Road Schedules