Third Consecutive Year of Record On Time Performance
For the third year in a row, MTA Long Island Rail Road set a new On-Time Performance (OTP) record, achieving a best ever 95.21% in 2009.
The 95.21% overall OTP is the best since modern record keeping began in 1979 and included 81 rush hour periods when on time performance reached 100%.
The LIRR achieved this milestone last year while operating 244,937 trains, marking our 175th year of service, providing extra service for the US Open at Bethpage State Park, and modernizing our technology with projects like the Valley Interlocking switch and signal upgrade.
LIRR President Helena E. Williams attributed the improvement in the Railroad’s on time performance to investments in the LIRR’s fleet, better maintenance practices, a robust track work program, better vegetation management along the LIRR Right of Way and, most importantly, the
effort of some 6,800 employees across the LIRR who keep customer service and safety as their top priorities all year long.
“We couldn’t achieve these new records each year without the dedication of our workforce,” Williams said. “They make it all happen, day in and day out.” In customer surveys, On Time Performance repeatedly has been identified as the No. 1 priority of LIRR customers. “Trends indicating improvement are always welcome,” said Maureen Michaels, chair of the Long Island Rail Road Commuters Council.
The previous OTP record of 95.14% was set in 2008. In 2007, OTP reached 94.07%. LIRR On Time Performance in diesel territory, meanwhile, continued to lag behind overall performance with a 93.32% total. Diesel service OTP did improve in 2009 over the previous year, going to 93.32% in 2009 from 92.84% in 2008. The LIRR is continuing to work to address reliability issues that have hampered the performance of its diesel fleet since it was first acquired by the LIRR in 1998.
Long Beach: No Weekend Train Service - January 23/24; 30/31
Customers on the Long Beach Branch should mark the weekends of January 23-24 and 30-31 on their calendars … as on those weekends all train service between Long Beach and Valley Stream will be replaced by buses. (Similar Long Beach Branch weekend service suspensions will occur in March and May.)
The reconstruction of two bridges, Hog Island and Powell Creek, will require this suspension of train service. The buses serving our westbound customers will depart up to 33 minutes earlier than normally scheduled trains.
You will be able to access the special schedules (dated January 23-24 & 30-31 2010) on our website.
An icon of a bus will appear on the cover of the bright orange timetables. Look for them at the stations that are affected. We want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding while we complete thisimportant modernization project.
Atlantic Terminal Opens
On January 5, 2010 a grand opening event was held for the New Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn … and … Wow! … with a majestic pavilion that features an artist/architect collaboration in a soaring, light-filled atrium … it ain’t your grandparents’ Atlantic Avenue Terminal!
“This new terminal means improved interconnectivity between the Long Island Rail Road and New York City Transit’s
subways and buses – with better information and a more spacious, comfortable and accessible facility,” said Jay H. Walder, Chairman and CEO of the MTA. “The glory of the original 1907 Flatbush Avenue Terminal has been restored in modern form.” Indeed it has.
One Brooklyn-ite, upon seeing the new terminal for the first time after recently moving back to the storied borough told the New York Times, “What a wonderful surprise this was. I can’t believe how much easier it’s going to make my life.”
Seeing is believing … so we suggest that you consider joining the 57,000 commuters who already use the Atlantic Terminal … and see for yourself. While you’re there, be sure to take the time to view “The Overlook” … which was commissioned by the MTA Arts for Transit.
2010 New York City Getaways
For over 50 years now the LIRR has offered low-cost packages to area attractions. This year our packages have been expanded to include more of New York City, and include the 2010 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show from January 22 to 24 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
New deals in 2010 are: the Culinary Spa, Slice of Brooklyn, and Uncle Sam’s Tours … as well as Destination Jamaica. Get all the rewarding details at our website.
MLK Jr. Holiday Service
This year the nation observes Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday on Monday, January 18. The LIRR will operate on a weekend schedule … but with some added service … on that day.
You can check for the details of your travels on the holiday in branch timetables, in the columns marked January 18 Only. They are available on the website and at affected stations.
Please Note: all tickets sold for travel on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be at off-peak prices.
Checks Accepted for Tickets
If you wish, you can use a check to buy your LIRR tickets at ticket windows … assuming that you follow these rules and regulations:
- Two forms of identification are required, including a photo ID (valid driver’s license, state/federal agency or military-issued) and a major credit card, state DOT-issued non-driver’s license, passport or similar.
- The checks must be payable to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR acceptable) and written for the exact amount of the purchase. Checks that are post-dated, older than 7 days, ‘starter’, altered and/or third party will not be accepted.
- Checks must be drawn against bank accounts held in New York, New Jersey and/or Connecticut.
- Your name, bank name, routing and account numbers must be imprinted on check.
- Your address and telephone number must be visible on the check.
December’s OTP
December’s blizzard, which dumped a record 26.3 inches of snow on parts of Long Island, ended our string of monthly records for OTP … as we posted a 91.91% monthly total.
| BRANCH | AM Peak |
PM Peak |
Off- Peak |
Total December 2009 |
Total December 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon | 89.7 | 89.9 | 92.2 | 91.4 | 95.4 |
| Far Rockaway | 92.6 | 97.5 | 96.8 | 96.3 | 98.5 |
| Hicksville/Huntington | 94.2 | 87.3 | 89.9 | 90.2 | 93.6 |
| Hempstead | 96.4 | 92.4 | 96.1 | 95.7 | 96.6 |
| Long Beach | 94.7 | 90.9 | 94.2 | 93.8 | 97.7 |
| Montauk | 84.1 | 89.6 | 88.3 | 87.9 | 94.5 |
| Oyster Bay | 92.2 | 90.2 | 90.8 | 90.9 | 95.8 |
| Port Jefferson | 86.9 | 94.2 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 88.7 |
| Port Washington | 94.2 | 89.7 | 94.2 | 93.6 | 97.4 |
| Greenport/Ronkonk | 85.1 | 87.3 | 87.1 | 86.8 | 93.4 |
| West Hempstead | 98.2 | 95.5 | 97.2 | 97.1 | 98.3 |
| TOTAL | 91.2 | 90.6 | 92.3 | 91.9 | 95.5 |
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