Governor Cuomo Calls on MTA to Reduce Fares for LIRR Commuters on Diverted Trains
Commuters Diverted to Atlantic Terminal and Hunterspoint Should Receive Fare DiscountsGovernor Calls on MTA to Look at Potential Discounts for Subway Riders on Diverted Trains
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently called on the MTA to reduce fares for
LIRR commuters who are not traveling into Penn Station because they are
riding trains that terminate at either Atlantic Terminal or Hunterspoint.
As a result of reduced track capacity during Amtrak’s emergency
repair work this summer, there are LIRR trains that will terminate at
either Atlantic Terminal or Hunterspoint instead of continuing into Penn
Station. Governor Cuomo made clear that those customers who hold monthly,
weekly or daily passes and whose commute will end before Penn Station
should be compensated with a reduced fare for the inconvenience. Governor
Cuomo also called on the MTA to explore potential discounts for subway
riders on diverted trains.
"LIRR riders unable to go into Penn Station this summer because of
Amtrak's emergency repair work deserve a discounted fare for enduring
the inconvenience of a disrupted commute,"
Governor Cuomo said. "Our top priority is ensuring all New Yorkers can get where they
need to go as quickly and easily as possible this summer with minimal
inconvenience and this is just another way we can try and relieve frustration."
Governor Cuomo made the call for reduced fares while marking the opening
of the West End Concourse at Farley. The West End Concourse Expansion
completes the first phase of the transformational Pennsylvania Station-Farley
Complex announced by Governor Cuomo in September 2016 to redevelop the
Farley Building, creating a new 255,000 square foot Train Hall to house
passenger facilities for the Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak. Last week,
Governor Cuomo
announced the final agreement on the $1.6 billion redevelopment of the Penn-Farley
Complex allowing for major construction to begin after decades of delays.
New renderings of the new Penn-Farley Complex are available
here.
The redesign of the LIRR portions of Penn Station will significantly improve
passenger experience and circulation. The new West End concourse increases
passenger circulation and streamlines train operations by doubling the
length and width of the original concourse, providing new stairways connecting
with nine of Penn Station’s eleven train platforms, and adding an
additional passenger elevator on each platform for comfort and increased
ADA accessibility. These new vertical access points will allow passengers
to enter and leave the platforms faster and more easily, reducing dwell
time for the trains on these platforms during boarding and disembarking.