View source for Long Island Rail Road

{{Short description|Commuter rail system on Long Island, New York}}
{{Redirect|LIRR|other uses|Lirr (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = Long Island Rail Road
| image = LIRR logo.svg
| imagesize = 218px
| image2 = LIRR sampler electric and diesel services.jpg
| imagesize2 = 300px
| caption2 = The Long Island Rail Road provides electric and diesel rail service from east to west throughout [[Long Island]].
| owner = [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA)
| locale = [[Long Island]] and [[Manhattan]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail]]
| lines = 11
| stations = 126
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|NY MTA LIRR daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|NY MTA LIRR annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| area served = 
| began_operation = {{start date and age|1834|p=y}}
| operator = [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]
| marks = LI
| chief_executive = Robert Free
| headquarters = [[Jamaica station]], [[Jamaica, New York]], U.S.
| system_length = {{Convert|319|mi|km|abbr=on}} (route); {{Convert|700|mi|km|abbr=on}} (total track length)
| top_speed = {{Convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite tweet|user=LIRR|number = 653957726125604864 |title=The max allowable service speed for LIRR trains is 80 mph. But how fast are they DESIGNED to go? #TriviaTuesday|date=October 13, 2015|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref>
| track_gauge = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| map = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=|frame-height=|frame-lat=40.8447 |frame-long=-72.9924 |zoom=7|type=line|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/Wikipedia KML/Long Island Rail Road}}}}{{small|Gray lines represent freight-only branches, and other colors represent the corresponding passenger branches.<!--data from [[Wikipedia:Map data/Wikipedia KML/Long Island Rail Road]]-->}}
| website = {{URL|new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road}}
| map_state = collapsed
| el = {{750 V DC|conductor=third rail}}
}}

The '''Long Island Rail Road''' {{Reporting mark|LI}}, or '''LIRR''', is a [[Rail transport|railroad]] in the southeastern part of the [[U.S. state]] of [[New York (state)|New York]], stretching from [[Manhattan]] to the eastern tip of [[Suffolk County, New York|Suffolk County]] on [[Long Island]]. The railroad currently operates a public commuter rail service, with its freight operations contracted to the [[New York and Atlantic Railway]]. With an average weekday ridership of 354,800 passengers in 2016, it is the [[List of United States commuter rail systems by ridership|busiest commuter railroad]] in North America.<ref name="APTA-2016-Q4">{{cite web | url = http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2016-q4-ridership-APTA.pdf | title = Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter and End-of-Year 2016 | publisher = [[American Public Transportation Association]] (APTA) | date = March 16, 2017 | access-date = March 20, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170320233013/http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2016-q4-ridership-APTA.pdf | archive-date = March 20, 2017 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/network.htm#statslirr|title=MTA – Transportation Network|work=mta.info|access-date=September 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603102032/http://web.mta.info/mta/network.htm#statslirr|archive-date=June 3, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It is also one of the world's few commuter systems that runs 24/7 year-round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/network.htm#statsmnr|title=MTA – Transportation Network|work=mta.info|access-date=September 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603102032/http://web.mta.info/mta/network.htm#statsmnr|archive-date=June 3, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It is [[Government-owned corporation|publicly owned]] by the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]], which refers to it as '''MTA Long Island Rail Road'''. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|NY MTA LIRR annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|NY MTA LIRR daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

The LIRR logo combines the circular MTA logo with the text ''Long Island Rail Road'', and appears on the sides of trains. The LIRR is one of two commuter rail systems owned by the MTA, the other being the [[Metro-North Railroad]] in the northern suburbs of the New York area. Established in 1834 (the first section between the Brooklyn waterfront and Jamaica opened on April 18, 1836) and having operated continuously since then, it is the oldest railroad in the United States still operating under its original name and charter.<ref name="LIRR175">{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/Video/175thAnniversary/|title=LIRR History|website=mta.info|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)]]|access-date=March 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629202115/http://web.mta.info/lirr/Video/175thAnniversary/|archive-date=June 29, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://new.mta.info/about-us/our-agencies/mta-lirr |title=MTA Long Island Rail Road |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311115958/https://new.mta.info/about-us/our-agencies/mta-lirr |archive-date=March 11, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=abouttheLIRR/>

There are 126 stations and more than {{convert|700|mi|km}} of track<ref name="abouttheLIRR">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/GeneralInformation/ |title=Long Island Rail Road – General Information |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) |access-date=March 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202175308/http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/lirr/pubs/aboutlirr.htm |archive-date=February 2, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> on its two main lines running the full length of the island and eight major branches, with the passenger railroad system totaling {{convert|319|mi|km|adj=pre|[[Network length (transport)#Route length|route]]}}.<ref name="mtabudget">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/mta/investor/pdf/2012/2012-Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report.pdf |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)]] |page=146 |date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704021555/http://web.mta.info/mta/investor/pdf/2012/2012-Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Report.pdf |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2018}}, the LIRR's budget for expenditures was $1.6 billion plus $450 million for debt service, which it supports through the collection of fares (which cover 43% of total expenses) along with dedicated taxes and other MTA revenue.<ref>{{cite web | last=Rivoli | first=Dan | title=MTA Budget: Where does the money go? | website=NY Daily News | date=February 13, 2018 | url=http://interactive.nydailynews.com/project/mta-spending/ | access-date=November 3, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091946/http://interactive.nydailynews.com/project/mta-spending/ | archive-date=November 3, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Brennan, Jim. [https://www.gothamgazette.com/economy/130-opinion/8182-lirr-s-heavy-subsidies-and-the-coming-debate-over-mta-funding "LIRR's Heavy Subsidies and the Coming Debate Over MTA Funding"], Gotham Gazette, January 10, 2019. Accessed March 9, 2022. "The data show the LIRR farebox will contribute 43.4% of the LIRR's operating costs in 2019 and declines to about 38% by 2022.... This analysis shows that the Long Island Rail Road's deficit is $1.345 billion a year and is more than 18% of the MTA's total deficit, although its fare and other operating revenue provide about 12% of the MTA's total revenue."</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of the Long Island Rail Road}}
[[File:George Bradford Brainerd (American, 1845-1887). Station, Bay Shore, Long Island, September 1879.jpg|thumb|''Station, Bay Shore, Long Island, September 1879.'', a collodion silver glass wet plate negative by George Bradford Brainerd now on display at the [[Brooklyn Museum]]]]
[[File:Long Island Railroad 100th Anniversary cover 1934.jpg|thumb|LIRR (Montauk & NY) [[Railway Post Office|RPO]] cover (TR27) for the railroad's 100th anniversary in April 1934]]
The '''Long Island Rail Road Company''' was chartered in 1834 to provide a daily service between [[New York City]] and [[Boston]] via a ferry connection between its [[Greenport, Suffolk County, New York|Greenport, New York]], terminal on Long Island's North Fork and [[Stonington, Connecticut]]. This service was superseded in 1849 by the land route through Connecticut that became part of the [[New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad]]. The LIRR refocused its attentions towards serving Long Island, in competition with other railroads on the island. In the 1870s, railroad president [[Conrad Poppenhusen]] and his successor, [[Austin Corbin]] acquired all the railroads and consolidated them into the LIRR.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/Video/175thAnniversary/Reflection.htm|title=MTA LIRR – A Reflection (1984)|work=mta.info|access-date=August 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812212311/http://web.mta.info/lirr/Video/175thAnniversary/Reflection.htm|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The LIRR was unprofitable for much of its history. In 1900, the [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] (PRR) bought a controlling interest as part of its plan for [[New York Tunnel Extension|direct access to Manhattan]] which began on September 8, 1910. The wealthy PRR subsidized the LIRR during the first half of the new century, allowing expansion and modernization.<ref name=LIRR175 /> Electric operation began in 1905.<ref>{{1922 Locomotive Cyclopedia|page=903}}</ref>

After [[World War II]], the railroad industry's downturn and dwindling profits caused the PRR to stop subsidizing the LIRR, and the LIRR went into [[receivership]] in 1949. The [[Government of New York (state)|State of New York]], realizing how important the railroad was to Long Island's future, began to subsidize the railroad in the 1950s and 1960s. In June 1965, the state finalized an agreement to buy the LIRR from the PRR for $65 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1965/06/03/97204704.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1965/06/03/97204704.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=State in Accord With the Pennsy on Buying L.I.R.R. – P.R.R. Agrees on Price of $65 Million With New Transportation Agency|date=June 3, 1965|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 31, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The LIRR was placed under the control of a new [[Metropolitan Commuter Transit Authority]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1965/05/21/97202522.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1965/05/21/97202522.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=Assembly Votes Commuter Board – Bill Creates Transportation Authority for City Area|date=May 21, 1965|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 31, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The MCTA was rebranded the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] in 1968 when it incorporated several other New York City-area transit agencies.<ref name="QnsGazette-QnsPubTrans-51stBDay-2015">{{cite web|last1=Penner|first1=Larry|title=Happy 51st Birthday To Queens Public Transportation|url=http://www.qgazette.com/news/2015-07-15/Front_Page/Happy_51st_Birthday_To_Queens_Public_Transportatio.html|publisher=Queens Gazette|access-date=November 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912111108/http://www.qgazette.com/news/2015-07-15/Front_Page/Happy_51st_Birthday_To_Queens_Public_Transportatio.html|archive-date=September 12, 2015|url-status=dead|date=July 15, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1968/03/02/79934932.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1968/03/02/79934932.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=M.T.A. Takes Over Transit Network – Moses Will Be Kept On as Consultant to Agency|date=March 2, 1968|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 1, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> With MTA subsidies the LIRR modernized further, continuing to be the busiest commuter railroad in the United States.<ref name=LIRR175 />

The LIRR is one of the few railroads that has survived as an intact company from its original charter to the present.<ref name=LIRR175 />

== Major stations ==
{{See also|List of Long Island Rail Road stations}}
[[File:Penn Station LIRR 2017.jpg|thumb|The former LIRR ticket counter at [[New York Penn Station]], which displays all locations accessible from Penn Station]]
[[File:LIC Yard-9-21-04.jpg|thumb|[[Long Island City station]] and yard]]
The LIRR operates out of four western terminals in New York City. These terminals are:
* [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Pennsylvania Station]], in [[Midtown Manhattan]], is the busiest of the western terminals, serving almost 500 daily trains.<ref name=abouttheLIRR/> It is reached via the [[Amtrak]]-owned [[East River Tunnels]] (the only LIRR-used trackage not owned by the LIRR) from the Main Line at [[Harold Interlocking]] in Long Island City. The New York City Subway's [[34th Street–Penn Station (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)]] ({{NYCS trains|Broadway-Seventh south}}) and [[34th Street–Penn Station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)]] ({{NYCS trains|Eighth south}}) stations are adjacent to the terminal. It also connects LIRR with Amtrak and [[NJ Transit]] trains.
* {{stn|Grand Central Madison}} is located under [[Grand Central Terminal]] and was built as part of the [[East Side Access]] project.<ref name=esa>{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_alt.html |title=East Side Access |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417095600/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_alt.html |archive-date=April 17, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Service to the new terminal began on January 25, 2023.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ley|first=Ana|date=January 25, 2023|title=L.I.R.R. Service to Grand Central Begins Today at Long Last|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/nyregion/lirr-grand-central.html|access-date=January 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Provision was made for this route on the lower level of the [[63rd Street Tunnel]] under the [[East River]], which carries the New York City Subway's [[IND 63rd Street Line]] ({{NYCS trains|63rd IND}}) on its upper level. The East Side Access project is expected to reduce congestion while increasing the number of trains during peak hours.<ref>[[U.S. Department of Transportation]], [http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot11706.htm U.S. Transportation Secretary Signs Record $2.6&nbsp;Billion Agreement to Fund New Tunnel Network To Give Long Island Commuters Direct Access to Grand Central Station] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103003520/http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot11706.htm |date=January 3, 2007 }}, December 18, 2006</ref><ref>Second Avenue Sagas, [http://secondavenuesagas.com/2014/01/29/east-side-in-access-a-mid-project-post-mortem/ East Side in-Access: A mid-project post mortem] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407102125/http://secondavenuesagas.com/2014/01/29/east-side-in-access-a-mid-project-post-mortem/ |date=April 7, 2014 }}, January 29, 2014</ref> It serves as the primary terminal for the Hempstead Branch and serves all other electrified branches (as the LIRR's diesel fleet has a [[loading gauge]] too large for the 63rd Street Tunnel).<ref name="liw010620">{{cite news |last=Penner |first=Larry |date=January 6, 2020 |title=The Real Co$ts of LIRR East Side Access to Grand Central Terminal |publisher=Long Island Weekly |url=https://longislandweekly.com/the-real-cots-of-lirr-east-side-access-to-grand-central-terminal/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709192633/https://longislandweekly.com/the-real-cots-of-lirr-east-side-access-to-grand-central-terminal/ |archive-date=July 9, 2021}}</ref>
* [[Atlantic Terminal]], formerly known as Flatbush Avenue, in [[Downtown Brooklyn]] serves the [[West Hempstead Branch]], with limited service on other branches during the weekday peak. Other trains run as shuttles to Jamaica.<ref name=abouttheLIRR/> It is next to the New York City Subway's [[Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center (New York City Subway)|Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center]] station complex ({{NYCS trains|Atlantic-Pacific}}), providing easy access to [[Lower Manhattan]]. With the opening of East Side Access, service between Atlantic Terminal and Jamaica is served mostly by shuttles.
* {{lirrs|Long Island City}} - certain rush-hour trains run to one of two stations in [[Long Island City, Queens]]: the Long Island City station on the [[East River]], which is the oldest western terminal of the LIRR, or the {{lirrs|Hunterspoint Avenue}} station, which is 0.6 miles to the east.<ref name=abouttheLIRR/> From Hunterspoint Avenue, the [[Hunters Point Avenue (IRT Flushing Line)|Hunters Point Avenue subway station]] ({{NYCS trains|Flushing}}) can be reached. The Long Island City station is near the [[Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue (IRT Flushing Line)|Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue]] subway station, also served by the {{NYCS trains|Flushing|time=nolink}}, and the Long Island City station also connects to the NYC Ferry's [[East River Ferry]] to Midtown or Lower Manhattan.

In addition, the [[Jamaica station]] is a major [[transport hub|hub station]] and transfer point in [[Jamaica, Queens]]. It has ten tracks and six platforms, plus [[rail yard|yard]] and bypass tracks. Passengers can transfer between trains on all LIRR lines except the [[Port Washington Branch]].<ref name=abouttheLIRR/> The sixth platform opened in February 2020, and exclusively serves [[Atlantic Branch]] shuttle trains to Brooklyn.<ref name="MTA-LIRR-Hicksville-2016">{{Cite web|date=September 21, 2016|title=$121 Million Initiative to Rebuild Hicksville Station Begins Construction; $64.9 Million Contract Award to Improve Jamaica Station|url=http://www.mta.info/news-lirr-long-island-rail-road-jamaica-hicksville-governor/2016/09/21/121-million-initiative|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131605/http://www.mta.info/news-lirr-long-island-rail-road-jamaica-hicksville-governor/2016/09/21/121-million-initiative|archive-date=February 6, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2018|website=www.mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|language=en}}</ref> Transfer is also made to separate facilities for three subway services at the [[Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station]] ({{NYCS trains|Archer}}), a number of bus routes, and the [[AirTrain JFK|AirTrain]] automated [[people mover]] to [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|JFK Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Airtrain JFK |url=http://web.mta.info/mta/airtrain.htm |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=March 1, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226004222/http://www.mta.info/mta/airtrain.htm |archive-date=February 26, 2013 }}</ref> The railroad's headquarters are next to the station.<ref>[http://web.mta.info/lirr/jobpostings/ MTA LIRR&nbsp;– Employment Opportunities] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124215100/http://www.mta.info/lirr/jobpostings/ |date=January 24, 2007 }} (includes mailing address)</ref>

== Passenger lines and services ==

{{Long Island Rail Road RDT|collapse=1}}
[[File:LIRR schematic.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|A schematic of the LIRR's routes, as well as the fare zones. This schematic is not to scale.]]

The Long Island Rail Road system has eleven passenger branches, three of which are main trunk lines:<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=MTA LIRR – LIRR Map|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/lirrmap.htm|access-date=July 21, 2020|website=web.mta.info}}</ref>
* [[Main Line (Long Island Rail Road)|Main Line]], running along the middle of the island, between [[Long Island City station|Long Island City]] and [[Greenport station|Greenport]], via Jamaica.<ref name=":5" />
* [[Montauk Branch]], running along the southern edge of the island, between Long Island City and [[Montauk station|Montauk]], via Jamaica.<ref name=":5" />
* [[Atlantic Branch]], running mostly in New York City to the south of both the Main Line and Montauk Branch, between Atlantic Terminal and [[Valley Stream station|Valley Stream]], via Jamaica.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=ATLANTIC BRANCH|url=http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/Atlantic%20Branch/Atlantic%20Branch.htm|access-date=July 21, 2020|website=www.trainsarefun.com}}</ref>

There are eight minor branches.<ref name=":5" /> For scheduling and advertising purposes some of these branches are divided into sections; this is the case with the Montauk Branch, which is known as the [[Babylon Branch]] service in the electrified portion of the line between Jamaica and Babylon, while the diesel service beyond Babylon to Montauk is referred to as Montauk Branch service. All branches except the [[Port Washington Branch]] pass through [[Jamaica (LIRR station)|Jamaica]]; the trackage west of Jamaica (except the [[Port Washington Branch]]) is known as the [[City Terminal Zone]]. The City Terminal Zone includes portions of the Main Line, Atlantic, and Montauk Branches, as well as the [[Amtrak]]-owned [[East River Tunnels]] to Penn Station.<ref>{{Cite web|title=City Terminal Zone Timetable|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/Branch/CityTerminalBranch.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/Branch/CityTerminalBranch.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|access-date=July 20, 2020|website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}</ref>

=== Current branches ===
[[File:LIRR Diesel Regions Map.jpg|thumb|300x300px|A map of diesel territory on the Long Island Rail Road]]
* The Main Line runs from [[Long Island City station|Long Island City]] east to [[Greenport station|Greenport]]. It is electrified west of the [[Ronkonkoma station]]; limited diesel train service runs from this point to the [[Yaphank station|Yaphank]], [[Riverhead station|Riverhead]], or Greenport stations. Trains using the East River Tunnels from Penn Station join the line at [[Sunnyside Yard]]. The services that run along this line are named after the branches they use; trains beyond Hicksville, where the Port Jefferson Branch diverges, are known as [[Ronkonkoma Branch]] and Greenport Branch trains.
* The Montauk Branch runs from Long Island City east to the [[Montauk station]], with junctions with the Main Line at Long Island City and [[Jamaica station|Jamaica]]. It is electrified from Jamaica east to [[Babylon station|Babylon]]. Trains operating east of Babylon are listed as Montauk Branch service and are hauled by diesel locomotives, while trains using the line from Jamaica to Babylon are labeled as [[Babylon Branch]] trains. The portion of the line between Long Island City and Jamaica, known as the Lower Montauk Branch, no longer carries passenger trains and is used only for freight service.
* The electrified Atlantic Branch runs from [[Atlantic Terminal]] in [[Downtown Brooklyn]] east to Jamaica, where it meets the Main Line and the Montauk Branch, and then heads southeast to become the Long Beach Branch east of [[Valley Stream station|Valley Stream]]. East of Valley Stream, the [[Far Rockaway Branch]] turns south, while the [[West Hempstead Branch]] turns northward.
* The electrified [[Port Washington Branch]], the only one that does not serve Jamaica, branches from the Main Line west of [[Woodside station (LIRR)|Woodside]] (running parallel to the Main Line until [[Winfield Junction station|Winfield Junction]], which is east of that station) and runs east to [[Port Washington station|Port Washington]]. It only serves four stations in [[Nassau County, New York|Nassau County]]. It includes the [[Manhasset Viaduct]], which is the highest bridge on the LIRR network.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Seyfried|first=Vincent F.|title=The Long Island Rail Road: A Comprehensive History|date=1975|publisher=Vincent F. Seyfried|location=Long Island|chapter=Part Six The Golden Age 1881–1900|chapter-url=http://digitalarchives.queenslibrary.org/vital/access/services/Download/aql:340/SOURCE1?view=true|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419021259/http://digitalarchives.queenslibrary.org/vital/access/services/Download/aql%3A340/SOURCE1?view=true|archive-date=April 19, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* The [[Port Jefferson Branch]] splits from the Main Line east of Hicksville, with electric service to [[Huntington station (LIRR)|Huntington]]. The section from Huntington to [[Port Jefferson station (LIRR)|Port Jefferson]] is served only by diesel trains. Until 1938, it continued east to [[Wading River station|Wading River]].<ref name=steel>Ron Ziel and George H. Foster, Steel Rails to the Sunrise, ©1965</ref>{{Rp|258}}
* The electrified [[Hempstead Branch]] splits from the Main Line east of [[Elmont station|Elmont]] (running parallel to the Main Line until just after [[Floral Park station|Floral Park]]) and runs east to [[Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center|Hempstead]]. At [[Garden City station (LIRR)|Garden City]], the [[Garden City–Mitchel Field Secondary]] curves off and goes to [[Mitchel Field]].
* The electrified [[West Hempstead Branch]] splits from the Montauk Branch east of the Valley Stream station and runs northeast to [[West Hempstead station|West Hempstead]], originally continuing to junctions with the Hempstead Branch and the Oyster Bay Branch at the Main Line.
* The [[Oyster Bay Branch]] splits from the Main Line east of [[Mineola station (LIRR)|Mineola]] and heads north and east to [[Oyster Bay station|Oyster Bay]]. The first section to [[East Williston station|East Williston]] is electrified;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=68FHDwAAQBAJ&q=oyster+bay+branch|title=Long Island Rail Road: Oyster Bay Branch|last=Morrison|first=David D.|date=March 5, 2018|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=9781467128544|language=en|page=8}}</ref> only diesel trains run along the majority of the line to Oyster Bay.<ref name="LIRR Stations p. 57">{{cite book |last1=Morrison |first1=David D. |last2=Pakaluk |first2=Valerie |title=Long Island Rail Road Stations |year=2003 |publisher=Arcadia |location=Chicago |isbn=0-7385-1180-3 |page=57 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=20BUDIVc-5AC&pg=PA57 |access-date=November 20, 2011}}</ref>
* The diesel-only [[Central Branch (Long Island Rail Road)|Central Branch]] runs southeast from the Main Line east of [[Bethpage station|Bethpage]] to the Montauk Branch west of the Babylon station, giving an alternate route to the Montauk Branch east of Babylon. The Central Branch used to continue west from Bethpage to include what is now the Garden City–Mitchel Field Secondary. It was proposed to be electrified as part of the 2020–2024 MTA Capital Program.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/ronkonkoma-electrify-lirr-capital-program-1.21269955|title=LIRR: Powering up a link will improve response|last=Castillo|first=Alfonso A.|date=September 26, 2018|website=Newsday|access-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926200522/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/ronkonkoma-electrify-lirr-capital-program-1.21269955|archive-date=September 26, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* The electrified [[Far Rockaway Branch]] splits from the Atlantic Branch east of the Valley Stream station and runs south and southwest to [[Far Rockaway station (LIRR)|Far Rockaway]]. It used to connect westward to what is now the [[New York City Subway]]'s [[IND Rockaway Line]] to the [[Hammels, Queens|Hammels]] and [[Rockaway Park, Queens|Rockaway Park]] neighborhoods of Queens.
* The electrified [[Long Beach Branch]] begins where the Atlantic Branch ends east of the Valley Stream station (running parallel to the Montauk Branch until just after [[Lynbrook station|Lynbrook]]) where it turns south to end at [[Long Beach station (LIRR)|Long Beach]].

=== Former branches ===
The railroad has dropped a number of branches due to lack of ridership over the years. Part of the [[Rockaway Beach Branch]] became part of the [[IND Rockaway Line]] of the [[New York City Subway]], while others were downgraded to freight branches, and the rest [[Abandoned railway|abandoned]] entirely. Additionally, the Long Island Rail Road operated trains over portions of the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company|Brooklyn Rapid Transit (BRT)]] elevated and subway lines until 1917.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The BMT A Technical and Operational History|last=Fazio|first=Alfred E|year=2008|isbn=978-1-60702-864-2|pages=28–31|publisher=BRT Services }}</ref>
*The [[Bethpage Branch]] ran north from the Main Line and Central Branch at [[Bethpage, New York|Bethpage]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=BETHPAGE BRANCH|url=http://www.arrts-arrchives.com/bethpagebr.html|access-date=June 4, 2020|website=www.arrts-arrchives.com}}</ref>
*The [[Bushwick Branch]], also called the Bushwick Lead Track, is a freight railroad branch that runs from Bushwick, Brooklyn, to Fresh Pond Junction in Queens, where it connects with the Montauk Branch.
*The Camp Upton Branch was a short branch north from the Main Line to [[Camp Upton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirrphotos/campupton.htm|title=Camp Upton – Upton Junction, LIRR|work=trainsarefun.com|access-date=January 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203062727/http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirrphotos/campupton.htm|archive-date=February 3, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
*The [[Cedarhurst Cut-off]], officially known as the '''New York and Rockaway Railroad''', was an extension of the [[Montauk Branch]] from its merger with the [[Atlantic Branch]] at [[Springfield Junction (Long Island Rail Road)|Springfield Junction]] to [[Cedarhurst, New York|Cedarhurst]], where it would turn west and run parallel to the [[Far Rockaway Branch]] until reaching Mott Avenue in [[Far Rockaway, Queens|Far Rockaway]].
*The [[Central Extension (Long Island Rail Road)|Central Extension]] ran from Garden City eastward to Central Park (¾ mile south of current Bethpage station) and as far east as Bethpage Junction. The line was cut back to the point where it stopped at Island Trees. Today the western part of track still in use for freight and storage, and is officially known today as the [[Garden City Secondary]].
*The Chestnut Street Incline (Brooklyn) between Atlantic Avenue and Fulton Street was opened in 1898 to allow for thru-operation over the Jamaica/Broadway Elevated Line to the East River ferry terminal. In 1909 thru passenger service to Manhattan via the [[Williamsburg Bridge]] was established in coordination with the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company]] (BRT). LIRR Passenger service operated to Chambers Street between May 1909 and September 1917.
*The [[Creedmoor Branch]], a remnant of the [[Central Railroad of Long Island]] (CRRLI) of [[Alexander Turney Stewart]], was a short branch from the Main Line at [[Floral Park, NY|Floral Park]] northwest through [[Creedmoor, NY|Creedmoor]]. It once went as far northwest as [[Flushing, Queens|Flushing]].
*The [[Evergreen Branch]] connected the [[Bushwick Branch]] east of [[Bushwick Terminal]] with the [[Bay Ridge Branch]] north of [[East New York, Brooklyn|East New York]].
*The [[Flushing Bay Freight Spur]] extended north from the [[Whitestone Branch]], then across the [[Woodside Branch]] and then the connecting line between both branches before terminating along the south coast of [[Flushing Bay]].<ref name="auto">[[:File:FNS front.jpg|1873 Flushing and North Side Railroad map]]</ref>
*The [[Glendale Cut-off]] ran south from the Main Line at [[Rego Park, Queens|Rego Park]] to the Montauk Branch at [[Glendale, Queens|Glendale]]. There it became the [[Rockaway Beach Branch]], running south across [[Jamaica Bay]] to [[Hammels, Queens|Hammels]] and west to [[Rockaway Park, Queens|Rockaway Park]]. The Rockaway Beach Branch south of [[Ozone Park, Queens|Ozone Park]] is now the [[IND Rockaway Line]] of the [[New York City Subway]].
*The [[Manhattan Beach Branch]] ran south from the Bay Ridge Branch at [[Flatbush, Brooklyn|Flatbush]] to [[Manhattan Beach, New York|Manhattan Beach]].
*The [[Manorville Branch]] or Manor Branch ran from the Main Line at [[Manorville, New York|Manorville]] southeast to the Montauk Branch at [[Eastport, New York|Eastport]]. It was originally part of the Sag Harbor Branch (''See below'').
*The [[Mineola-West Hempstead Branch]] ran north of the terminus of the [[West Hempstead Branch]] across [[NY 24]] to [[Country Life Press (LIRR station)|Country Life Press Station]] where it briefly joined the [[Hempstead Branch]] then ran north of the [[Garden City Secondary]] towards a wye at [[Mineola (LIRR station)|Mineola Station]] with one branch that terminated at the station and another that crossed the main line and ended near the southern terminus of the [[Oyster Bay Branch]].
*The [[Montauk Cut-off]] was a short connecting track between the Lower Montauk Branch and the Main Line in Long Island City that allowed trains to change direction without entering the [[Long Island City station]].<ref>{{cite news |title=MTA offers old railway bridge |work=[[TimesLedger Newspapers|TimesLedger]] |year=2015 |volume=3 |number=39 |url=https://qns.com/assets/pdf/2015_39tl.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://qns.com/assets/pdf/2015_39tl.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|page=1}}</ref>
*The [[Northport Branch]] ran northeast of the current [[Port Jefferson Branch]] between [[Greenlawn, New York|Greenlawn]] and [[Northport, New York|Northport Village]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lirrhistory.com/northprt.html|title=LIRR Northport Spur|work=lirrhistory.com|access-date=January 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930233154/http://www.lirrhistory.com/northprt.html|archive-date=September 30, 2012|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
*The [[North Shore Freight Branch]] ran from the Main Line at [[Sunnyside Yard]] west to the [[East River]] where [[Gantry Plaza State Park]] is now.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/OfficeofSafety/publicsite/crossing/XingLocResults.aspx?state=36&countycity=081&railroad=&radionm=County&street=&xingtype=3&xingstatus=1&xingpos=1|title=8.02 – Query by Location|work=dot.gov|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413200113/http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/OfficeofSafety/publicsite/crossing/XingLocResults.aspx?state=36&countycity=081&railroad=&radionm=County&street=&xingtype=3&xingstatus=1&xingpos=1|archive-date=April 13, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/transportation/deck11.pdf Page 252] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104947/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/transportation/deck11.pdf |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> Originally built by the [[Flushing and North Side Railroad]], some of the surviving right-of-way can be found at the Arch Street Shops within the Sunnyside Yard.
*The [[Roosevelt Field Spur]] branched off northward from the current [[Garden City Secondary]] just north of Commercial Avenue. From there, it crossed Stewart Avenue just west of present-day South Street before turning slightly northeast, crossing over the Meadowbrook Parkway. The overpass, as well as sections along the sidewalk on South Street, can still be seen today. From there, it continued north before curving east and coming to an end near Zeckendorf Boulevard. The line was used for freight only. 
*The [[Sag Harbor Branch]] ran north from the Montauk Branch at [[Bridgehampton, New York|Bridgehampton]] to [[Sag Harbor, New York|Sag Harbor]].
*The [[Wading River Branch]] ran east from Port Jefferson to [[Wading River, New York|Wading River]], serving the towns of [[Mount Sinai, New York|Mount Sinai]], [[Miller Place, New York|Miller Place]], [[Rocky Point, New York|Rocky Point]], and [[Shoreham, New York|Shoreham]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arrts-arrchives.com/contact.html|title=Wading River Branch|work=arrts-arrchives.com|access-date=January 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201081314/http://arrts-arrchives.com/contact.html|archive-date=February 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
*The [[White Line (Long Island Rail Road)|White Line]], which was built by the LIRR subsidiary '''Newtown and Flushing Railroad''' ran south of the Port Washington Branch between [[Winfield Junction (LIRR station)|Winfield Junction]] and [[Flushing Main Street (LIRR station)|Flushing]] between 1873 and 1876.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arrts-arrchives.com/fnrr.html|title=white line|work=arrts-arrchives.com|access-date=January 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201081307/http://arrts-arrchives.com/fnrr.html|archive-date=February 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
*The [[Whitestone Branch]], which was originally built by the [[Flushing and North Side Railroad]] (F&NS), split from the Port Washington Branch near [[Mets–Willets Point station (LIRR)|Mets–Willets Point station]] and ran north and east to [[Whitestone, New York|Whitestone]].
*The [[Woodside Branch]] ran north of the current Port Washington Branch between [[Woodside, Queens|Woodside]] and east of the present [[Corona Yard]] west of the [[Flushing River]]. It also had a connecting spur to the Whitestone Branch.

=== Additional services ===
[[File:Shea Stadium (LIRR).jpg|alt=The Mets-Willets Point station, located on the Port Washington Branch.|thumb|The Mets-Willets Point station.]]
In addition to its daily commuter patronage, the LIRR also offers the following services:
*The railroad operates extra trains during the summer season that cater to the Long Island beach trade. Special package ticket deals are offered to places like [[Long Beach, New York|Long Beach]], [[Jones Beach State Park|Jones Beach]], [[the Hamptons]], [[Montauk, New York|Montauk]], and [[Greenport, Suffolk County, New York|Greenport]]. Some of these packages require bus and ferry connections.
*The railroad operates extra trains to and from [[Atlantic Terminal]] for [[Brooklyn Nets]] home games at [[Barclays Center]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/lirr/lirr-double-service-new-york-islanders-games-compared-start-last-season |title=LIRR to Double Service to New York Islanders Games Compared With Start of Last Season |access-date=January 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202025537/http://www.mta.info/press-release/lirr/lirr-double-service-new-york-islanders-games-compared-start-last-season |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*From May through October, the railroad runs four daily trains to [[Belmont Park]] (two in each direction) during the racetrack's summer meets. Additionally, on the day of the [[Belmont Stakes]] horse race the railroad runs extra trains to accommodate the large number of spectators attending the event.<ref>[http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/Branch/BelmontPark.pdf Belmont Park Timetable April 29, 2015 to May 17, 2015] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424232945/http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/Branch/BelmontPark.pdf |date=April 24, 2015 }}</ref>
*One special non-passenger service offered by the railroad was the yearly operation of the [[Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus]] train between Long Island City and [[Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum]] in Uniondale. Highly publicized by the LIRR, this event drew large crowds of spectators.<ref name="youtube.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/v/sn7MuhO8JCQ |title=MTA LIRR: Assembling the 2015 Ringling Brothers Circus Train to Depart LI |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=April 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310211932/https://www.youtube.com/v/sn7MuhO8JCQ |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> With Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey's closure, this was discontinued in May 2017.

=== Intermodal connections ===
[[File:Mineola LIRR 19.jpg|alt=The Mineola Intermodal Center (bottom left), as seen prior to the commencement of the construction of the Main Line's third track.|thumb|The Mineola Intermodal Center (bottom left), as seen prior to the commencement of the construction on the Main Line's third track.]]
Penn Station offers connections with [[Amtrak]] intercity trains and [[NJ Transit Rail Operations|NJ Transit]] commuter trains, as well as the [[PATH (rail system)|PATH]], [[New York City Subway]], and [[MTA Regional Bus Operations|New York City Bus]] systems.<ref>{{cite web | title=Penn Station | website=MTA LIRR | url=http://lirr42.mta.info/stationInfo.php?id=8 | access-date=January 19, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323050515/http://lirr42.mta.info/stationInfo.php?id=8 | archive-date=March 23, 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref> Grand Central offers connections with Metro-North Railroad, as well as the subway and bus systems. Additionally, almost all stations in Brooklyn and Queens offer connections with the New York City Bus system, and several stations also have transfers to New York City Subway stations.<ref>{{cite NYC bus map|B}}<br />{{cite NYC bus map|Q}}</ref> Transfers to [[Nassau Inter-County Express]] and [[Suffolk County Transit]] buses are available at many stations in Nassau and Suffolk counties, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | title=Maps and Schedules | website=Nassau Inter-County Express | url=https://www.nicebus.com/Tools/Maps-and-Schedules | access-date=January 19, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093443/https://www.nicebus.com/Tools/Maps-and-Schedules | archive-date=January 20, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Suffolk County Transit System Map | website=Suffolk County Transit | url=http://www.sct-bus.org/assets/sct_systemmap.pdf | access-date=January 19, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106153318/http://www.sct-bus.org/assets/sct_systemmap.pdf | archive-date=January 6, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Fare structure ==
Like [[Metro-North Railroad]] and NJ Transit, the Long Island Rail Road fare system is based on the distance a passenger travels, as opposed to the New York City Subway and the area's bus systems, which charge a flat rate. The railroad is broken up into eight non-consecutively numbered fare zones. Zone 1, the [[City Terminal Zone]], includes Penn Station, Grand Central, all stations in Brooklyn, all stations in Queens west of Jamaica on the Main Line, and Mets–Willets Point.<ref>[http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/LIRRFares03-13.pdf LIRR Fare Zones] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207081933/http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/LIRRFares03-13.pdf |date=February 7, 2015 }}</ref>

Zone 3 includes Jamaica as well as all other stations in eastern Queens except Far Rockaway.<ref name="mta.info">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/LIRRFares03-22-15.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=June 26, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430165302/http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/LIRRFares03-22-15.pdf |archive-date=April 30, 2015  }}</ref> Zones 4 and 7 include all stations in Nassau County, plus Far Rockaway and Belmont Park in Queens.<ref name="mta.info"/> Zones 9, 10, 12 and 14 include all stations in Suffolk County.<ref name="mta.info"/> Each zone contains many stations, and the same fare applies for travel between any station in the origin zone and any station in the destination zone.<ref name="mta.info"/>
[[File:Bethpage LIRR Station; 2018-10-19; 19.jpg|alt=LIRR ticket vending machines, as seen at the Bethpage station.|thumb|217x217px|LIRR ticket vending machines, as seen at the Bethpage station.]]

=== Peak and off-peak fares ===
Peak fares are charged during the week on trains that arrive at western terminals between 6&nbsp;AM and 10&nbsp;AM, and for trains that depart from western terminals between 4&nbsp;PM and 8&nbsp;PM.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/#Types|title=MTA LIRR – Fares & Ticket Information|work=mta.info|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408225349/http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/#Types|archive-date=April 8, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Any passenger holding an off-peak ticket on a peak train is required to pay a step up fee.<ref name="web.mta.info">{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/#onboardtrains|title=MTA LIRR – Fares & Ticket Information|work=mta.info|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408225349/http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/#onboardtrains|archive-date=April 8, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Passengers can buy tickets from ticket agents or ticket vending machines (TVMs) or on the train from conductors, but will incur an on-board penalty fee for doing so.<ref name="web.mta.info"/> This fee is waived for customers boarding at a station without a ticket office or ticket machine, senior citizens, people with disabilities or Medicare customers.<ref name="web.mta.info"/>

There are several types of tickets: one way, round trip, peak, off-peak, AM peak or off-peak senior/disabled, peak child, and off-peak child. On off-peak trains, passengers can buy a family ticket for children who are accompanied by an 18-year-old for $0.75 if bought from the station agent or TVM, $1.00 on the train. Senior citizen/disabled passengers traveling during the morning peak hours are required to pay the AM peak senior citizen/disabled rate. This rate is not charged during PM peak hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/Fares03-19-17.htm|title=MTA LIRR – New Fares – Effective March 19, 2017|website=web.mta.info|access-date=March 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308230142/http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/Fares03-19-17.htm|archive-date=March 8, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Commuters can also buy a peak or off-peak ten trip ride, a weekly unlimited or an unlimited monthly pass.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/#Multiple|title=MTA LIRR – Fares & Ticket Information|work=mta.info|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408225349/http://web.mta.info/lirr/about/TicketInfo/#Multiple|archive-date=April 8, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Monthly passes are good on any train regardless of the time of day, within the fare zones specified on the pass.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

The LIRR charged off-peak fares at all times during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/supplemental/lirr/covid-19-train-service-update-mta-essential-service-plan.htm|title = COVID-19 Train Service Update – MTA Essential Service Plan Begins}}</ref> Peak fares were reinstated on March 1, 2022, and several new discounts and ticket options were introduced at the same time.<ref>[https://abc7ny.com/long-island-rail-road-lirr-metro-north-peak-fares/11610835/ "Peak fares resume for LIRR and Metro-North riders"], [[WABC-TV]], March 1, 2022. Accessed March 9, 2022. "For the first time in nearly two years, the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North have reinstated peak fares."</ref>

=== Special fares ===
During the summer the railroad offers special summer package ticket deals to places such as Long Beach, Jones Beach, the Hamptons, Montauk, and Greenport. Passengers traveling to the Hamptons and Montauk on the ''Cannonball'' can reserve a seat in the all-reserved Parlor Cars.<ref name="MTA 2015">{{cite web | title=MTA LIRR – Hamptons Reserve Service: The Best Route to the Hamptons! | website=MTA | date=November 6, 2015 | url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/hamptons/reserveservice.htm | access-date=December 25, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225215015/http://web.mta.info/lirr/hamptons/reserveservice.htm | archive-date=December 25, 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Prior to November 2021, passengers going to Belmont Park had to buy a special ticket to go from Jamaica to Belmont Park (or vice versa). Weekly and monthly passes were not accepted at Belmont Park.<ref name="mta.info1"/> With the opening of [[Elmont station]] in November 2021, Belmont Park and Elmont were placed into fare zone 4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elmont and Belmont Park stations added to zone 4 |url=https://www.thelirrtoday.com/2021/07/elmont-and-belmont-park-stations-added.html |website=thelirrtoday.com}}</ref>

=== CityTicket ===
In 2003, the LIRR and Metro-North started a pilot program in which passengers traveling within New York City were allowed to buy one-way tickets for $2.50.<ref name="Lisi 2003"/> The special reduced-fare CityTicket, proposed by the New York City Transit Riders Council,<ref name="Lisi 2003">{{cite web | last=Lisi | first=Clemente | title=A Raily Cheap Ride – $2.50 Weekend Tix on LIRR, Metro-North | website=New York Post | date=July 15, 2003 | url=https://nypost.com/2003/07/15/a-raily-cheap-ride-2-50-weekend-tix-on-lirr-metro-north/ | access-date=February 9, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211155540/http://nypost.com/2003/07/15/a-raily-cheap-ride-2-50-weekend-tix-on-lirr-metro-north/ | archive-date=February 11, 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref> was formally introduced in 2004.<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |date=January 9, 2004 |title=CityTicket Begins Tomorrow on LIRR And Metro-North |url=http://mta.info/mta/news/releases/?en=040109 |access-date=February 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218000030/http://www.mta.info/mta/news/releases/?en=040109 |archive-date=December 18, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> The discounted fares were initially only available for travel on Saturdays and Sundays.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajamani |first=Maya |date=February 25, 2022 |title=LIRR, Metro-North roll out 'flexible' fare offerings |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/02/25/lirr--metro-north-roll-out-flexible-fare-changes |access-date=May 11, 2022 |website=www.ny1.com |language=en}}</ref> In March 2022, it was expanded to include all off-peak trains throughout the week for $5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CityTicket for travel within NYC on Metro-North and LIRR |url=https://new.mta.info/fares/cityticket |access-date=May 11, 2022 |website=MTA |language=en}}</ref> The MTA announced plans in December 2022 to allow CityTickets to be used on peak trains as well;<ref name="Feldman 2022">{{cite web | last=Feldman | first=Ari Ephraim | title=Proposals for free buses, cheaper LIRR fare come amid MTA budget concerns | website=Spectrum News NY1 New York City | date=December 23, 2022 | url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2022/12/23/proposals-for-free-buses--cheaper-lirr-fare-come-amid-mta-budget-concerns | access-date=January 12, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Castillo 2022">{{cite web | last=Castillo | first=Alfonso A. | title=Proposal would expand use of discounted LIRR CityTicket | website=Newsday | date=December 14, 2022 | url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/long-island-rail-road-city-ticket-discount-vfbiaa2k | access-date=January 12, 2023}}</ref> governor [[Kathy Hochul]] confirmed these plans the next month.<ref name="Martinez 2023">{{cite web | last=Martinez | first=Jose | title=Hochul Calls MTA 'Lifeblood' of New York, but Transit Plans Lack Meat | website=The City | date=January 10, 2023 | url=https://www.thecity.nyc/transportation/2023/1/10/23549120/gov-hochul-mta-lifeblood-ny-transit-plans | access-date=January 12, 2023}}</ref> The peak CityTickets, as announced in July 2023, would cost $7 each.<ref name="Kaye 2023 g749">{{cite web | last=Kaye | first=Jacob| title=Subway rides to increase by fifteen cents come August | website=Queens Daily Eagle | date=July 20, 2023 | url=https://queenseagle.com/all/2023/7/20/subway-rides-to-increase-by-fifteen-cents-come-august | access-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref> As part of a one-year pilot program starting in July 2024, monthly tickets for LIRR trips entirely within New York City would also receive a 10% discount.<ref name="CBS New York 2024 c370">{{cite web | title=Some Metro-North & LIRR riders could get a discount when NYC congestion pricing starts. Here's who. | website=CBS New York | last1=Anderson | first1=Renee | last2=Westbrook | first2=Elijah | date=April 29, 2024 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-congestion-pricing-lirr-metro-north-discounts/ | access-date=April 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Simko-Bednarski 2024 p168">{{cite web | last=Simko-Bednarski | first=Evan | title=LIRR and Metro North set to approve 10% monthly discount ticket | website=New York Daily News | date=April 29, 2024 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/04/29/lirr-and-metro-north-set-to-approve-10-monthly-discount-ticket/ | access-date=April 30, 2024}}</ref>

CityTicket is valid for travel within zones 1 and 3 on the Long Island Railroad. CityTickets can only be bought before boarding, except at [[Mets–Willets Point station (LIRR)|Willets Point]] where they can be purchased on board, and they must be used on the day of purchase.<ref name="mta.info1">{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/cityticket.htm|title=MTA – CityTicket|work=mta.info|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407073348/http://web.mta.info/mta/cityticket.htm|archive-date=April 7, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> CityTicket was originally not valid for travel to [[Far Rockaway (LIRR station)|Far Rockaway]] because the station is in Zone 4 (despite being within the city limits) and the [[Far Rockaway Branch]] passes through [[Nassau County, New York|Nassau County]].<ref name="mta.info1" /><ref name="Duggan 2022 w760">{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title=Too Far: This one LIRR station in Queens didn't get MTA's $5 CityTicket promotion | website=amNewYork | date=March 17, 2022 | url=https://www.amny.com/transit/lirr-station-queens-didnt-get-mta-cityticket/ | access-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref> In May 2023, MTA officials announced that they would expand CityTicket to Far Rockaway.<ref name="Parry 2023 c896">{{cite web | last=Parry | first=Bill | title='A magnificent victory': Rockaway elected officials announce breakthrough with MTA in step toward railroad equity | website=QNS.com | date=May 5, 2023 | url=https://qns.com/2023/05/a-magnificent-victory-rockaway-elected-officials-announce-breakthrough-with-mta-in-step-toward-railroad-equity/ | access-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref><ref name="THE ROCKAWAY TIMES - First and Free 2023 v983">{{cite web | title=Discount for LIRR Finally Comes to Far Rockaway | website=The Rockaway Times | date=May 11, 2023 | url=https://www.rockawaytimes.com/2023/05/11/discount-for-lirr-finally-comes-to-far-rockaway/ | access-date=July 20, 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720145329/https://www.rockawaytimes.com/2023/05/11/discount-for-lirr-finally-comes-to-far-rockaway/ |archive-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref> CityTicket is also not valid for travel to the [[Elmont station|Elmont]] station or the special event only [[Belmont Park (LIRR station)|Belmont Park]] station, which are just barely east of the Queens-Nassau border and thus are within Zone 4.<ref name="mta.info1" />
{| class="wikitable"
|+Long Island Railroad 
Zones
!Zone 1
!Zone 3
|-
|[[Penn Station (LIRR station)|Penn Station]]
|[[Jamaica (LIRR station)|Jamaica]]
|-
|[[Grand Central Madison station|Grand Central]]
|[[Hollis (LIRR station)|Hollis]]
|-
|[[Woodside station (LIRR)|Woodside]]
|[[Queens Village (LIRR station)|Queens Village]]
|-
|[[Forest Hills station (LIRR)|Forest Hills]]
|[[St. Albans station (LIRR)|St. Albans]]
|-
|[[Kew Gardens station (LIRR)|Kew Gardens]]
|[[Locust Manor (LIRR station)|Locust Manor]]
|-
|[[Atlantic Terminal (LIRR station)|Atlantic Terminal]]
|[[Laurelton (LIRR station)|Laurelton]]
|-
|[[Nostrand Avenue station (LIRR)|Nostrand Avenue]]
|[[Rosedale (LIRR)|Rosedale]]
|-
|[[East New York (LIRR station)|East New York]]
|[[Flushing–Main Street station (LIRR)|Flushing-Main Street]]
|-
|[[Long Island City (LIRR station)|Long Island City]]
|[[Murray Hill station (LIRR)|Murray Hill]]
|-
|[[Hunterspoint Avenue station (LIRR)|Hunterspoint Avenue]]
|[[Broadway station (LIRR)|Broadway]]
|-
|[[Mets–Willets Point station (LIRR)|Mets-Willets Point]]
|[[Auburndale station (LIRR)|Auburndale]]
|-
|
|[[Bayside station (LIRR)|Bayside]]
|-
|
|[[Douglaston station|Douglaston]]
|-
|
|[[Little Neck station|Little Neck]]
|}

=== Freedom Ticket ===
In late 2017, the MTA was slated to launch a pilot that will allow LIRR, bus and subway service to use one ticket.<ref name=amny20170208/> The proposal for the ticket, called the "Freedom Ticket," was initially put forth by the New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC) in 2007.<ref name=pcac201512/>{{rp|1}} The NYCTRC wrote a [[proof of concept]] report in 2015.<ref name="amny20151202">{{cite news|url=http://www.amny.com/transit/freedom-ticket-could-slash-many-hours-from-subway-and-bus-riders-commutes-fight-overcrowding-advocates-say-1.11185660|title=Freedom Ticket' could slash many hours from subway and bus riders' commutes, fight overcrowding, advocates say|first1=Rebecca|last1=Harshbarger|first2=Zoya|last2=Teirstein|date=December 2, 2015|newspaper=am New York|access-date=February 8, 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080206/http://www.amny.com/transit/freedom-ticket-could-slash-many-hours-from-subway-and-bus-riders-commutes-fight-overcrowding-advocates-say-1.11185660|archive-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of the report, [[List of express bus routes in New York City|express bus]] riders from Southeast Queens had some of the longest commutes in the city, with their commutes being 96 minutes long, yet they paid a premium fare of $6.50.<ref name="pcac201512"/>

Riders who take the [[Dollar vans in the New York metropolitan area|dollar van]] to the subway paid $4.75 to get to Manhattan in 65 minutes; riders who only took the bus and subway paid $2.75 to get to Manhattan in 86 minutes; and riders who took the LIRR paid $10 to get to Manhattan in 35 minutes.<ref name="pcac201512">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcac.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Freedom-Ticket-reduced.pdf|title=Freedom Ticket Southeast Queens Proof of Concept|publisher=New York City Transit Riders Council|first1=Bradley|last1=Brashears|first2=Ellyn|last2=Shannon|first3=Angela|last3=Bellisio|date=December 2015|access-date=February 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106190011/http://www.pcac.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Freedom-Ticket-reduced.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|iii}} Unlike the CityTicket, the Freedom Ticket would be valid for off-peak and multidirectional travel; have free transfers to the subway and bus system; and be capped at $215 per month.<ref name=pcac201512/>{{rp|1–2}} At the time, monthly CityTickets cost $330 per month.<ref name=amny20151202/>

The Freedom Ticket will initially be available for sale at the [[Atlantic Terminal]], [[Nostrand Avenue (LIRR station)|Nostrand Avenue]], and [[East New York (LIRR station)|East New York]] stations in Brooklyn and at the [[Laurelton (LIRR station)|Laurelton]], [[Locust Manor (LIRR station)|Locust Manor]], [[Rosedale (LIRR station)|Rosedale]], and [[St. Albans (LIRR station)|St. Albans]] stations in Queens.<ref name="amny20170208" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://ny.curbed.com/2017/2/9/14555268/mta-reduced-fare-pilot-program-freedom-ticket|title=MTA will launch reduced fare pilot program for outer-borough commuters|last=Walker|first=Ameena|date=February 9, 2017|website=Curbed NY|access-date=February 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210133848/http://ny.curbed.com/2017/2/9/14555268/mta-reduced-fare-pilot-program-freedom-ticket|archive-date=February 10, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://gothamist.com/2017/02/08/mta_freedom_ticket.php|title=MTA Will Test 'Freedom Ticket' For Commuters In Brooklyn And Queens Transit Deserts|date=February 8, 2017|newspaper=Gothamist|access-date=February 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210153608/http://gothamist.com/2017/02/08/mta_freedom_ticket.php|archive-date=February 10, 2017|url-status=dead|language=en-US}}</ref> Riders, under the pilot, would be able to purchase one-way, weekly, or monthly passes that will be valid on the LIRR, on buses, and the subway. The fare will be higher than the price of a ride on the [[MetroCard (New York City)|MetroCard]], but it will be lower than the combined price of an LIRR ticket and a MetroCard, and it will allow unlimited free transfers between the LIRR, buses, and subway.<ref name=":1" />

The former head of the MTA, Thomas Prendergast, announced at the January 2017 board meeting that the plan would be explored in a field study to determine fares and the impact on existing service.<ref name="amny20170208" /> The plan is intended to fill approximately 20,000 unused seats of existing trains to Atlantic Terminal and Penn Station (or about 50% to 60% of peak trains in each direction),<ref name=":0" /> while at the same time providing affordable service to people with long commutes.<ref name=":1" /> The details were to be announced in spring 2017, and the pilot would last six months.<ref name="amny20170208">{{Cite news|url=http://www.amny.com/transit/freedom-ticket-pilot-launching-in-brooklyn-queens-this-fall-borough-president-adams-says-1.13078196|title=Freedom Ticket pilot launching in Brooklyn, Queens this fall, Borough President Adams says|last=Barone|first=Vincent|date=February 8, 2017|newspaper=am New York|access-date=February 8, 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208130506/http://www.amny.com/transit/freedom-ticket-pilot-launching-in-brooklyn-queens-this-fall-borough-president-adams-says-1.13078196|archive-date=February 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

The MTA Board voted to approve a six-month pilot for a similar concept, the Atlantic Ticket, in May 2018. The Atlantic Ticket is similar in that it would allow LIRR riders in southeast Queens to purchase a one-way ticket to or from Atlantic Terminal for $5. The Atlantic Ticket would start in June 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-lirr-atlantic-pilot-1.18662674|title=LIRR pilot to slash ticket prices in transit deserts|last=Barone|first=Vin|date=May 23, 2018|work=am New York|access-date=May 24, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524221848/https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-lirr-atlantic-pilot-1.18662674|archive-date=May 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The success of the pilot program has led the MTA to extend the program up to the summer of 2020 and renewed calls for the program to be implemented within New York City, where the fare for the Freedom Ticket—if approved—would cost US$2.75 and include free transfers between the LIRR & Metro-North, bus, and subway.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thecity.nyc/2020/02/lirr-brooklyn-queens-tix-spurs-call-for-new-cheap-rail-rides.html|title=SUCCESS OF LIRR BROOKLYN-QUEENS TIX RENEWS CALL FOR CITYWIDE $2.75 RAIL FARE|last=Martinez|first=Jose|date=February 18, 2020|newspaper=THE CITY|access-date=February 18, 2020|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226034024/https://thecity.nyc/2020/02/lirr-brooklyn-queens-tix-spurs-call-for-new-cheap-rail-rides.html|archive-date=February 26, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== OMNY ===
{{Main|OMNY}}

In 2017, it was announced that the [[MetroCard]] fare payment system, used on New York City-area rapid transit and bus systems, would be phased out and replaced by [[OMNY]], a [[Contactless payment|contactless fare payment]] system. Fare payment would be made using [[Apple Pay]], [[Google Pay (payment method)|Google Pay]], debit/credit cards with [[near-field communication]] enabled, or radio-frequency identification cards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/mta-approves-plan-scrap-metrocards-tap-payment-system-article-1.3584098|title=MTA approves plan to scrap MetroCards for 'tap' payment system|last=Rivoli|first=Dan|date=October 23, 2017|work=NY Daily News|access-date=October 24, 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024051957/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/mta-approves-plan-scrap-metrocards-tap-payment-system-article-1.3584098|archive-date=October 24, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/23/nyregion/metrocard-subway-new-york.html|title=New York to Replace MetroCard With Modern Way to Pay Transit Fares|last=Barron|first=James|date=October 23, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 24, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023235701/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/23/nyregion/metrocard-subway-new-york.html|archive-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the implementation of OMNY, the MTA also plans to use the system in the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad.<ref>{{cite web | title=Say hello to tap and go, with OMNY | website=MTA | url=https://new.mta.info/system_modernization/omny | access-date=February 24, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224173424/https://new.mta.info/system_modernization/omny | archive-date=February 24, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Combo Ticket ===
In December 2022, the MTA announced the launch of an additional fare for use on journeys that utilize both of its railroad systems via Grand Central. The fare is priced as $8 more than an adult off-peak ticket from an origin station on one system to Grand Central. It is valid on both peak and off-peak trains.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Introducing a new way to ride the rails: Combo Ticket |url=https://new.mta.info/fares/combo-ticket |access-date=February 28, 2023 |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=MTA Announces Long Island Rail Road to Bolster Existing Schedules with Grand Central Direct Service |url=https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-announces-long-island-rail-road-bolster-existing-schedules-grand-central-direct |date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=February 28, 2023}}</ref>

== Accidents and incidents ==

* On August 26, 1893, two trains collided in [[Maspeth, Queens]], killing 16 people and injuring over 40.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spellen |first=Suzanne |title=Queenswalk: The Berlinville Disaster, Part Two |date=October 30, 2013 |website=[[Brownstoner Magazine|Brownstoner]] |url=https://www.brownstoner.com/history/queenswalk-the-berlinville-disaster-part-two/ |access-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref>
* On August 13, 1926, the Shelter Island Express derailed on a switch in [[Calverton, Long Island]] and crashed into Golden Pickle Works factory, claiming the lives of 6, and injuring 15. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDceHUTiHR4 | title=Calverton, Long Island, New York Train Wreck of 1926 | website=[[YouTube]] | date=February 6, 2022 }}</ref> 
* On [[Rockville Centre train crash|February 17, 1950]], two trains collided head-on after an engineer on train 192 ignored an approach signal and the following red signals at [[Rockville Centre station]], leaving 32 dead and more than 100 injured. At the time, it was the worst rail disaster in LIRR history.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 16, 2016 |title=Rockville Centre tragedy: At least 30 dead, 80 injured in LIRR train crash in 1950 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/30-dead-80-injured-lirr-train-crash-1950-article-1.2533413 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607143647/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/30-dead-80-injured-lirr-train-crash-1950-article-1.2533413 |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |access-date=September 14, 2019 |website=nydailynews.com}}</ref>
* On [[Kew Gardens train crash|November 22, 1950]], two trains collided after one of the trains passed a red signal in Kew Gardens, killing 78 and injuring 363 in the worst rail disaster in LIRR history.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 14, 2017 |title=Past LIRR accidents through the years |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/past-lirr-accidents-1.12938299 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054533/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/past-lirr-accidents-1.12938299 |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |access-date=September 18, 2018 |website=Newsday}}</ref>
* On March 14, 1982, a train hit a van at a level crossing on Herricks Road in Mineola after the driver of the van went around the gate. Nine people were killed and one was injured.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 4, 2019 |title=Lone Survivor Of 1982 Grade-Crossing Crash In Mineola Shocked People Still Drive Around Gates To Beat LIRR Trains |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/03/04/lirr-grade-crossing-crash-westbury-1982-herricks-road-crash-mineola-kathy-caemmerer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230043101/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/03/04/lirr-grade-crossing-crash-westbury-1982-herricks-road-crash-mineola-kathy-caemmerer/ |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |access-date=December 30, 2019 |website=CBS New York}}</ref>
* On [[1993 Long Island Rail Road shooting|December 7, 1993]], a [[mass shooting]] occurred onboard a train at [[Merillon Avenue station]] in [[Garden City Park, New York|Garden City Park]], [[New York (state)|New York]]. Six people were killed and nineteen others were wounded.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schemo |first=Diana Jean |date=1993-12-09 |title=DEATH ON THE L.I.R.R.: The Confrontation; 3 Credited In Capture Of Gunman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/09/nyregion/death-on-the-lirr-the-confrontation-3-credited-in-capture-of-gunman.html |access-date=2024-01-15 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
* On October 23, 2000, the lead locomotive ([[EMD DE30AC and DM30AC|DM30AC]] #503) of a dual-mode commuter train caught fire west of [[Huntington station (LIRR)|Huntington station]].<ref name=UN-newsday-1024>{{cite news |title=LIRR Fire Delays Port Jeff Branch |author1=Tom Demoretcky |author2=Bill Mason |date=October 24, 2000 |work=Newsday |pages=28|via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/727560163/}}</ref><ref name=UN-newsday-1025>{{cite news |title=Fire Fears for LIRR Engines |author=Sidney S. Schaer |date=October 25, 2000 |work=Newsday |pages=26 |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/727560327/}}</ref> The fire was blamed on a defective shoe beam that caused a 750-volt [[short circuit]] with the locomotive's third rail contact shoe.<ref name=UN-newsday-1026>{{cite news |title=Fires in Prize Locomotives Spark LIRR Into Action |author=Sidney S. Schaer  |date=November 26, 2000 |work=Newsday |pages=35 |via=Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/727938730/}}</ref><ref name=UN-NYT-0107>{{cite news |title=L.I.R.R. Chief's Rude Welcome: Safety Concerns |last=Ain |first=Stewart |date=January 7, 2001 |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/2001/01/07/issue.html}}</ref> The train was evacuated and nobody was injured, though locomotive #503 was irreparably damaged. This incident was the most severe out of several electrical fires involving the then-new DM30AC locomotives, which prompted a full-scale investigation into their reliability and safety.<ref name=UN-newsday-1026/><ref name=UN-NYT-0107/> The entire fleet—two locomotives at a time—would be sent to [[General Motors]] for repairs beginning in fall 2001.<ref name=UN-newsday-0621>{{cite news |title=LIRR Fleet Heads for the Shop {{!}} 46 new locomotives need repairs for cracks |date=June 21, 2001 |author=John Valenti |work=Newsday |via=ProQuest}}</ref>
* On May 17, 2011, a commuter train in Deer Park obliterated a baked goods truck that attempted to drive around the crossing gate.  The truck driver was killed and two train passengers were injured.<ref>{{cite news |last=Castillo |first=Alfonso A. |date=May 17, 2011 |title=Driver killed as LIRR train, truck collide |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/driver-killed-as-lirr-train-truck-collide-1.2881763 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216154328/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/driver-killed-as-lirr-train-truck-collide-1.2881763 |archive-date=February 16, 2020}}</ref>
* On October 8, 2016, a commuter LIRR train side-swiped a maintenance train east of [[New Hyde Park station]]. The commuter train cars suffered damage and 33 passengers were injured, four of them seriously injured.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Nir |first1=Sarah Maslin |last2=Palmer |first2=Emily |date=October 9, 2016 |title=33 Injured in Collision of L.I.R.R. Trains |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/10/nyregion/lirr-train-crash-injuries.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104083145/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/10/nyregion/lirr-train-crash-injuries.html |archive-date=January 4, 2020}}</ref>
* On [[2017 Brooklyn train crash|January 4, 2017]], a Long Island Rail Road commuter train derailed at [[Atlantic Terminal]] in Brooklyn. At least 103 people were injured.<ref name="newsday20170104">{{cite web |date=January 4, 2017 |title=Officials: More than 100 hurt in LIRR train derailment |url=http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/officials-lirr-train-derailment-at-atlantic-terminal-1.12860163 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912140446/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/fdny-more-than-100-hurt-in-lirr-train-accident-at-atlantic-terminal-1.12860163 |archive-date=September 12, 2019 |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=Newsday}}</ref>
* On February 26, 2019, two separate Long Island Rail Road trains hit a pickup truck at the School Street railroad crossing in Westbury on the LIRR Main Line, causing the driver and two passengers to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in their deaths, numerous injuries, and damage to the nearby LIRR station platform.<ref>{{cite news |last=McGeehan |first=Patrick |date=February 27, 2019 |title=3 Killed as 2 L.I.R.R. Trains Crash Into Car in Westbury |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/nyregion/lirr-train-collision-accident.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216110910/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/nyregion/lirr-train-collision-accident.html |archive-date=February 16, 2020}}</ref>
* On May 25, 2019, a commuter train sideswiped a [[dead mileage|non-revenue train]] at the siding east of [[Speonk station]] and derailed. The non-revenue train was 14 cars long, whereas the siding could only fit 13 cars.<ref name=SK-newsday-1030/> Nobody was injured, though it took two days to restore normal service,<ref name=SK-PIX-0527>{{cite news |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/lirr-montauk-branch-service-restored-after-weekend-derailment/ |title=LIRR Montauk Branch service restored after weekend derailment |date=May 27, 2019 |publisher=PIX11 |access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref> and the derailed train's front locomotive (DM30AC #511) was damaged beyond repair. The incident was blamed on a track circuit failure;<ref name=SK-newsday-1030>{{cite news |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/federal-railroad-administration-speonk-s60179# |title=Track circuit failure caused LIRR train derailment in Speonk, report states |last=Castillo |first=Alfonso A. |work=Newsday |date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref> an MTA worker, who resigned following the accident, was later charged and indicted for falsifying an inspection report of the would-be point of failure.<ref name=SK-feds>{{cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/former-long-island-rail-road-employee-charged-falsifying-inspection-report |title=Former Long Island Rail Road Employee Charged with Falsifying Inspection Report |publisher=United States Department of Justice |date=March 18, 2021 |access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref><ref name=SK-patch>{{cite news |url=https://patch.com/new-york/westhampton-hamptonbays/ex-lirr-worker-indicted-charge-falsifying-report-pre-derailment |title=Ex-LIRR Worker Indicted On Charge of Falsifying Report Pre-Derailment |work=Westhampton, NY Patch |date=April 23, 2022 |last=Finn |first=Lisa |access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref>
* On August 3, 2023, a Long Island Rail Road commuter train derailed east of Jamaica station; 13 people were injured.<ref name="ABC7 New York 2023 a245">{{cite web | title=LIRR train derailment: 13 injured after 8 cars derail near Jamaica Station in Queens | website=ABC7 New York | date=August 3, 2023 | url=https://abc7ny.com/lirr-disabled-train-queens-jamaica/13592808/ | access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref>

== Train operations ==
[[File:LIRR Train Car Interior.JPG|thumb|The interior of an [[M7 (railcar)|M7]] car.]]
The LIRR is relatively isolated from the rest of the national rail system despite operating out of Penn Station, the nation's busiest rail terminal. It connects with other railroads in just two locations:
*West of [[Harold Interlocking]] in [[Sunnyside, Queens]], LIRR trains enter the Amtrak-operated [[Northeast Corridor]] leading to the [[East River Tunnels]]. When this track was owned by the [[Pennsylvania Railroad]], trains of the PRR connected to the LIRR at Penn Station. During the 1920s and 1930s a through sleeper was carried by PRR and LIRR trains from Pittsburgh to Montauk, called the 'Sunrise Special'.<ref name="arrts-arrchives.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.arrts-arrchives.com/sunrisespl.html|title=The Sunrise Special|work=arrts-arrchives.com|access-date=August 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717121611/http://arrts-arrchives.com/sunrisespl.html|archive-date=July 17, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="arrts-arrchives1927">{{Cite web |url=http://arrts-arrchives.com/images2/LI1927TTr.jpg |title=May 1927 Sunrise Special timetable (Arrt's Arrchives) |access-date=January 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004143340/http://arrts-arrchives.com/images2/LI1927TTr.jpg |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*In [[Glendale, Queens]], the LIRR connects with CSX's [[Fremont Secondary]], which leads to the [[Hell Gate Bridge]] and [[New England]]; however, once trains leave the secondary, they enter LIRR trackage.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrmaps.htm|title = Lirr map archives|access-date = July 6, 2015|website = trainsarefun|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150707121911/http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrmaps.htm|archive-date = July 7, 2015|url-status = live}}</ref>

All LIRR trains have an engineer (driver in non-US English) who operates the train, and a conductor who is responsible for the safe movement of the train, fare collection and on-board customer service. In addition, trains may have one or more assistant conductors to assist with fare collection and other duties. The LIRR is one of the last railroads in the United States to use mechanical interlocking control towers to regulate rail traffic.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Castillo|first=Alfonso A.|date=November 4, 2010|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/lirr-retires-old-machines-launches-new-switching-system-1.2429379|title=LIRR launches new switching system|work=Newsday|access-date=May 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015145/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/lirr-retires-old-machines-launches-new-switching-system-1.2429379|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{As of|2016}}, the LIRR has 8 active control towers. All movements on the LIRR are under the control of the Movement Bureau in Jamaica, which gives orders to the towers that control a specific portion of the railroad. Movements in Amtrak territory are controlled by [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)#Tracks and surrounding infrastructure|Penn Station Control Center]] or PSCC, run jointly by the LIRR and Amtrak. The PSCC controls as far east as [[Harold Interlocking]], in [[Sunnyside, Queens]]. The PSCC replaced several towers.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=Star-Ledger | first=Robert | last=Sciarrino | title=How to squeeze 1,200 trains a day into America's busiest transit hub | website=NJ.com | date=December 26, 2013 | url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/11/how_to_squeeze_1200_trains_a_day_into_americas_busiest_transit_hub.html | access-date=May 25, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426150812/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/11/how_to_squeeze_1200_trains_a_day_into_americas_busiest_transit_hub.html | archive-date=April 26, 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref>

The Jamaica Control Center, operational since the third quarter of 2010, controls the area around Jamaica terminal by direct control of interlockings. This replaced several towers in Jamaica including Jay and Hall towers at the west and east ends of Jamaica station respectively. At additional locations, line side towers control the various switches and signals in accordance with the timetable and under the direction of the Movement Bureau in Jamaica.<ref>Bedia, Leigh. "LIRR Jamaica Station Control Center." Railpace January 2011 : P. 10.</ref>

=== Signal and safety systems ===
Today's LIRR signal system has evolved from its legacy [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] (PRR)-based system, and the railroad utilizes a variety of wayside [[railroad signal]]s including position light, color light and dwarf signals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LIRR Signal History|url=http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/signalhistory/signalhistory.htm|access-date=August 13, 2020|website=www.trainsarefun.com}}</ref> In addition, much of the LIRR is equipped with a bi-directional [[Pulse code cab signaling]] called [[Automatic train control|automatic speed control]] (ASC), though portions of the railway still retain single direction, wayside-only signaling. Unlike other railroads, which began using color-light signals in the 20th century, the LIRR did not begin using signals with color lights on its above ground sections until 2006.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}}

Some portions of the railway lack automatic signals and cab signals completely, instead train and track car movements are governed only by timetable and verbal/written [[Train order operation|train orders]], although these areas are gradually receiving modern signals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LIRR East End gets signals from 21st century|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/lirr-service-east-end-changes-1.14943160|access-date=August 13, 2020|website=Newsday|last=Castillo|first=Alfonso A.|date=November 12, 2017 |language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107043015/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/lirr-service-east-end-changes-1.14943160|archive-date=November 7, 2020}}</ref> Many other signals and switching systems on the LIRR are being modernized and upgraded as part of the Main Line's Third Track Project, most notably at Mineola, where the system is being completely redone and modernized.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Construction|first1=M. T. A.|last2=Development|date=February 20, 2020|title=New Interlocking on LIRR Expansion Project Will Help Reduce Train Cancellations & Delays|url=https://www.amodernli.com/new-interlocking-on-lirr-expansion-project-will-help-reduce-train-cancellations-delays/|access-date=August 13, 2020|website=A Modern LI|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:LIRR Kawasaki M9 EMU - Jamaica NY.jpg|alt=A Long Island Rail Road M9, showing both over-running and under-running third rail shoes.|thumb|A Long Island Rail Road M9, showing the dual-type contact shoe.|243x243px]]

On portions of the railroad equipped with ASC, engineers consult the speed display unit, which is capable of displaying seven speed indications. As a result of a December 1, 2013, [[December 2013 Spuyten Duyvil derailment|train derailment]] in [[the Bronx]] on the Metro-North Railroad, railroads with similar cab signal systems to Metro-North, such as the LIRR, were ordered to modify the systems to enforce certain speed limit changes, which has resulted in lower average speeds and actual speed limits across the LIRR.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L16416|title=Operational and signal modifications for compliance with maximum authorized passenger train speeds and other speed restrictions|website=fra.dot.gov|publisher=U.S. Federal Railroad Administration|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531141453/https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L16416|archive-date=May 31, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Power transmission ===
The LIRR's electrified lines are powered via a [[third rail]] at [[List of railway electrification systems#750 V DC conductor|750 volts DC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/TrainTalk/2012/03-2012.htm|title=MTA LIRR – TrainTalk – March 2012|work=mta.info|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412225709/http://web.mta.info/lirr/TrainTalk/2012/03-2012.htm|archive-date=April 12, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
{{Main|Long Island Rail Road rolling stock}}
[[File:MTA LIRR train leaving Woodside.jpg|thumb|[[M9 (railcar)|M9]] railcars leaving [[Woodside station (LIRR)|Woodside]]]]

=== Electric fleet ===
The LIRR's electric fleet consists of 836 [[M7 (railcar)|M7]] and 170 [[M3 (railcar)|M3]] [[electric multiple unit]] cars in married pairs, meaning each car needs the other one to operate, with each car containing its own engineer's cab. The trainsets typically range from 6 to 12 cars long.

In September 2013, MTA announced that the LIRR would procure new [[M9 (railcar)|M9]] railcars from [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company|Kawasaki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/news/2013/09/19/new-railcars-lirr-metro-north-fleets|title=MTA – news – New Railcars for LIRR & Metro-North Fleets|work=mta.info|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226023600/http://www.mta.info/news/2013/09/19/new-railcars-lirr-metro-north-fleets|archive-date=February 26, 2014}}</ref> A 2014 MTA forecast indicated that the LIRR would need 416 M9 railcars; 180 to replace the outdated [[M3 (railcar)|M3]] railcars and an additional 236 railcars for the additional passengers expected once the East Side Access project is complete.<ref name="CPOC Jul 2014">{{Cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/archive/140728_1200_CPOC.pdf |title=Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting: July 2014 |date=July 28, 2014 |website=MTA |access-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524015314/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/archive/140728_1200_CPOC.pdf |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first M9s entered revenue service on September 11, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/lirr/lirr-introduce-new-fleet-rail-cars-tomorrow|title=MTA {{!}} Press Release {{!}} LIRR {{!}} LIRR to Introduce New Fleet of Rail Cars Tomorrow|website=www.mta.info|access-date=September 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914005505/http://www.mta.info/press-release/lirr/lirr-introduce-new-fleet-rail-cars-tomorrow|archive-date=September 14, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:LIRR bi-level coaches.jpg|thumb|[[C3 (railcar)|C3]] bi-level coaches at a [[grade crossing]] in [[Bethpage, New York|Bethpage]]]]

=== Diesel and dual-mode fleets ===
The LIRR also uses 134 [[C3 (railcar)|C3]] [[bilevel rail car|bilevel coaches]] powered by 24 [[EMD DE30AC and DM30AC|DE30AC]] [[diesel-electric locomotive]]s and 20 [[EMD DE30AC and DM30AC|DM30AC]] [[dual-mode locomotive]]s. They are used mostly on non-electrified branches, including the Port Jefferson, Oyster Bay, Montauk, Central, and Greenport Branches. There are also 23 [[MP15AC]] locomotives in use as work trains and yard switchers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/180319_0930_LIRR.pdf|title=MTA Long Island Rail Road Committee Meeting March 2018|work=mta.info|access-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326064140/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/180319_0930_LIRR.pdf|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Named trains ==
For most of its history LIRR has served commuters, but it had many named trains, some with all-first class seating, parlor cars, and full bar service. Few of them lasted past World War II, but some names were revived during the 1950s and 1960s as the railroad expanded its east end parlor car service with luxury coaches and Pullman cars from railroads that were discontinuing their passenger trains.

=== Current ===
*'''''[[Cannonball (LIRR train)|Cannonball]]''''', a Friday-only 12-car train to Montauk running May through October, with two all-reserved parlor cars with full bar service. Since May 24, 2013, it has originated at Penn Station with a Sunday evening return from Montauk; only the westward train stops at Jamaica.<ref name="cannonball-new">{{cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/lirr-operate-first-non-stop-service-manhattan-hamptons-0 |title=LIRR to Operate First Non-Stop Service from Manhattan to Hamptons |publisher=MTA Long Island Rail Road |access-date=April 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423002302/http://www.mta.info/lirr-operate-first-non-stop-service-manhattan-hamptons-0 |archive-date=April 23, 2013  }}</ref> The name is a nod to the ''Cannon Ball'', the all-year train to Montauk that had operated since 1899. It carried parlor cars and standard-fare coaches and ran weekday afternoons from Long Island City, then from Penn Station until 1951, when [[PRR DD1|DD1]] operation, and changing engines at Jamaica, ceased.<ref name="trainsarefun.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrextralist/lirrextralist.htm|title=The LIRR Extra List|work=trainsarefun.com|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411104421/http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrextralist/lirrextralist.htm|archive-date=April 11, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Former ===
*'''''Fisherman's Special''''' (1932–1950s) from Long Island City to Canoe Place Station and Montauk via Jamaica, April through October,  terminating at Canoe Place in April, extended to Montauk in May. Served Long Island fishing trade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arrts-arrchives.com/whatsnewpage3.html |title=LIRR Fisherman's Special (Arrt's Arrchives) |publisher=Arrts-arrchives.com |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006215051/http://www.arrts-arrchives.com/whatsnewpage3.html |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''''Peconic Bay Express&nbsp;/ Shinnecock Bay Express''''' (1926–1950) from Long Island City to Greenport and Montauk, Saturday only, express to Greenport and Montauk. Discontinued during World War II though revived for a few seasons afterwards.<ref name="trainsarefun.com"/>
*'''''Shelter Island Express''''' (1901–1903, 1923–1942) from Long Island City to Greenport, Friday-only summer express that connected to Shelter Island ferries.
*'''''Sunrise Special''''' (1922–1942) ran during the summer, NY Penn to Montauk on Fridays and westbound Mondays. In summer 1926 it ran daily. All parlor car (no coaches) from 1932 to 1937.<ref name="arrts-arrchives.com"/><ref name="arrts-arrchives1927"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.arrts-arrchives.com/images/qqssp1.jpg |title=Passenger car with "Sunrise Special" Drumhead (Arrt's Arrchives) |access-date=August 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220061000/http://arrts-arrchives.com/images/qqssp1.jpg |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://www.prrths.com/Hagley/LIRR%20NAMED%20TRAINS.pdf LIRR Named Passenger Trains (Pennsylvania Technical and Historical Society)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014024613/http://www.prrths.com/Hagley/LIRR%20NAMED%20TRAINS.pdf |date=October 14, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lirrhistory.com/mar99/washdc.jpg |title=Parlor Car Service between Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and The Hamptons and Montauk (Unofficial LIRR Website) |access-date=November 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233105/http://www.lirrhistory.com/mar99/washdc.jpg |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

== Freight service ==
{{Main|Rail freight transportation in New York City and Long Island}}
{{For|more details on the franchisee that runs freight service for the LIRR|New York and Atlantic Railway}}
[[File:New York and Atlantic Train at Jamaica LIRR station 1.jpg|alt=A New York and Atlantic freight train at Jamaica station.|thumb|A New York and Atlantic freight train at Jamaica station.]]
The LIRR and other railroads that became part of the system have always had freight service, though this has diminished. The process of shedding freight service accelerated with the acquisition of the railroad by New York State.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}} In the 21st century, there has been some appreciation of the need for better [[Rail freight transportation in New York City and Long Island|railroad freight service in New York City and on Long Island]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Plan|first=The Fourth Regional|date=August 13, 2020|title=The Fourth Regional Plan|url=http://fourthplan.org/|access-date=August 13, 2020|website=The Fourth Regional Plan|publisher=[[Regional Plan Association]]|language=en}}</ref> Both areas are primarily served by trucking for freight haulage, an irony in a region with the most extensive rail transit service in the Americas, as well as the worst traffic conditions.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ascher|first=Kate|title=The Works: Anatomy of a City|publisher=Penguin Press|year=2005|isbn=1594200718}}</ref> 

Proposals for a [[Cross-Harbor Rail Tunnel]] for freight have existed for years to alleviate these issues, and, in recent years, there have been many new pushes for its construction by officials.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Metro|title=Another 30-year wait for completion of the Cross-Harbor Freight Tunnel?|url=https://www.metro.us/another-30-year-wait-for-completion-of-the-cross-harbor-freight-tunnel/|access-date=August 13, 2020|website=Metro US|date=January 22, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> Financial issues, as well as bureaucracy, remain major hurdles in constructing it.<ref name=":7" />
In May 1997, freight service was franchised on a 20-year term to the [[New York and Atlantic Railway]] (NYAR), a short line railroad owned by the [[Anacostia and Pacific Company]].<ref>{{Cite news | title = Bygone Era's Revival: Hauling Goods by Rail | first = Carol | last = Steinberg | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/31/nyregion/bygone-era-s-revival-hauling-goods-by-rail.html | newspaper = New York Times | date = January 31, 1999 | access-date = September 15, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100831130350/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/31/nyregion/bygone-era-s-revival-hauling-goods-by-rail.html | archive-date = August 31, 2010 | url-status = live }}</ref> 

It has its own equipment and crews, but uses the rail facilities of the LIRR. To the east, freight service operates to the end of the West Hempstead Branch, to Huntington on the Port Jefferson Branch, to Bridgehampton on the Montauk Branch, and to Riverhead on the Main Line. On the western end it provides service on the surviving freight-only tracks of the LIRR: the Bay Ridge and Bushwick branches; the "Lower Montauk" between Jamaica and Long Island City; and to an interchange connection at [[Fresh Pond Junction]] in Queens with the [[CSX]], [[Canadian Pacific]], and [[Providence and Worcester]] railroads.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panynj.gov/about/CHFP_draft_Tier_1_EIS/CHFP_Tier1_EIS_downloads.html|title=Cross Harbor Freight Program: CHFP Tier 1 EIS Document|work=panynj.gov|access-date=July 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702100524/http://www.panynj.gov/about/CHFP_draft_Tier_1_EIS/CHFP_Tier1_EIS_downloads.html|archive-date=July 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Freight branches ===
[[File:SotyBrooklynRailway0918.jpg|thumb|right|The freight-only [[Bay Ridge Branch]] through Brooklyn]]
Some non-electrified lines are used only for freight:

* The [[Garden City–Mitchel Field Secondary]] is a short remnant of the Central Branch that splits from the Hempstead Branch at Garden City, running to [[Uniondale, New York|Uniondale]] near [[Hofstra University]] and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This branch does not host any NYAR service.  This branch was used by the Ringling Bros. Circus to transport animals, staff and equipment to the Nassau Coliseum until their final shows there in May 2017.<ref name="youtube.com"/>
* The [[Bushwick Branch]] runs west from the Montauk Branch at [[Maspeth, Queens|Maspeth]] to [[Bushwick Terminal]]. This was a passenger branch until 1924.<ref name="Cross Harbor EIS 2004 p. 128-IA239">{{cite book | title=Cross Harbor Freight Movement Project in Kings, Queens, Richmond Counties, New York, and Hudson, Union, Middlesex, Essex Counties, New Jersey: Environmental Impact Statement | year=2004 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F-Y0AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA128-IA239}}</ref>{{rp|128}}
* The [[Bay Ridge Branch]] runs south and west from the Montauk Branch at [[Fresh Pond, Queens|Fresh Pond]] to [[Bay Ridge, Brooklyn|Bay Ridge]]. At Fresh Pond, it meets CSX's [[Fremont Secondary]], which goes over the [[Hell Gate Bridge]] towards [[Upstate New York]] and [[New England]]. At its southern end it interchanges with the [[New York New Jersey Rail]] cross-harbor rail-barge service to New Jersey. This branch had a passenger service until 1924.<ref name="NYCDCP-BklynOpenCut">{{cite web|title=INVENTORY OF DECKING OPPORTUNITIES OVER TRANSPORTATION PROPERTIES Final Report: 6.2: TRANSIT AND RAILROAD OPEN CUTS: BROOKLYN |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/transportation/deck04.pdf |website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]] |publisher=[[New York City Department of City Planning]] |date=September 2008 |access-date=October 25, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210528/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/transportation/deck04.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> The entire line was [[railway electrification|electrified]] with overhead wire in 1927,<ref name="PRRC 1927">{{cite web|url= http://www.prrths.com/Hagley/PRR1927%20Jul%2004.wd.pdf |title=PRR Chronology, 1927 }}&nbsp;{{small|(100&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]])}}, July 2004 Edition</ref> and the overhead wires were dismantled in 1969.<ref name="Cross Harbor EIS 2004 p. 128-IA239"/>{{rp|10}}

== Planned service expansions ==
=== East Side Access ===
{{Main|East Side Access}}
The East Side Access project built a LIRR spur to Grand Central Terminal that will run in part via the lower level of the existing [[63rd Street Tunnel]].<ref name=":3" /> The East Side Access project  added  a new eight-track terminal called [[Grand Central Madison]] underneath the existing Grand Central Terminal.<ref name=":3">[http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_alt.html Project overview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908150551/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_alt.html |date=September 8, 2018 }}, MTA, Accessed June 7, 2018</ref> The project was first proposed in the 1968 [[Program for Action]], but due to various funding shortfalls, construction did not start until 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last=Neuman |first=William |title=Awaiting Rock-Eating Beast, L.I.R.R. Tunnel Is Poised to Finish Trip to Grand Central |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 11, 2007 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/11/nyregion/11tunnel.html |access-date=February 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204182611/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/11/nyregion/11tunnel.html |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|April 2018}}, the project was expected to cost $11.1 billion and was tentatively scheduled to start service in December 2022.<ref name="Siff 2018">{{cite web | last=Siff | first=Andrew | title=MTA Megaproject to Cost Almost $1B More Than Prior Estimate | website=NBC New York | date=April 16, 2018 | url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/East-Side-Access-MTA-Project-Cost-Infrastructure-479628223.html | access-date=April 16, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417024310/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/East-Side-Access-MTA-Project-Cost-Infrastructure-479628223.html | archive-date=April 17, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Castillo 2018">{{cite news | last=Castillo | first=Alfonso A. | title=East Side Access price tag now stands at $11.2B | website=Newsday | date=April 15, 2018 | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/east-side-access-tour-1.18020231 | access-date=April 16, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415065109/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/east-side-access-tour-1.18020231 | archive-date=April 15, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> It opened on January 25, 2023, with limited shuttle service between Jamaica and Grand Central.<ref>{{cite web |last=Siff |first=Andrew |date=January 23, 2023 |title=NYC's New LIRR Stop at Grand Central Madison Set to Open This Week – What to Know |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nycs-new-lirr-stop-at-grand-central-madison-set-to-open-this-week-what-to-know/4063632/ |access-date=January 24, 2023 |website=NBC New York}}</ref> Full service to Grand Central began on February 27, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=MTA announces when full LIRR service will begin at Grand Central Madison |url=https://abc7ny.com/lirr-train-service-grand-central-madison-opens/12788713/ |access-date=February 18, 2023 |work=ABC7 New York |date=February 9, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

Several "readiness projects" were also completed to increase peak-hour capacity across the LIRR system in preparation for expanded peak-hour service after the completion of East Side Access.<ref name="TimesLedger Readiness">{{Cite web|last1=Anuta|first1=Joe|last2=Newman|first2=Philip|date=June 5, 2013|title=Queens Tomorrow: LIRR headed to Grand Central|url=https://www.timesledger.com/stories/2013/22/queenstransit_qt_2013_05_31_q2.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525133216/https://www.timesledger.com/stories/2013/22/queenstransit_qt_2013_05_31_q2.html|archive-date=May 25, 2018|access-date=May 24, 2018|website=TimesLedger|publisher=[[TimesLedger Newspapers]]}}</ref><ref name="Jan 2013">{{cite web|date=January 2013|title=MTA Capital Program Oversight Meeting|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/archive/130128_1330_CPOC.pdf#page=8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025231644/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/archive/130128_1330_CPOC.pdf#page=8|archive-date=October 25, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2018|work=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|mta.info]]|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|page=8}}</ref><ref name="Nov 2017">{{cite web|date=November 2017|title=MTA Long Island Rail Road Committee Meeting|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/archive/140623_1345_CPOC.pdf#page=35|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130002/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/archive/140623_1345_CPOC.pdf#page=35|archive-date=February 5, 2018|access-date=May 24, 2018|work=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|mta.info]]|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|page=35}}</ref> The LIRR constructed a new platform for [[Atlantic Terminal]]-bound trains at [[Jamaica station]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kulick|first=Beth|date=2014|title=Jamaica Interlocking Reconfiguration Operations Simulation|url=http://www.apta.com/mc/rail/previous/2014/papers/Papers/Beth%20Kulick%20Reconfiguration.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305225627/http://www.apta.com/mc/rail/previous/2014/papers/papers/beth%20kulick%20reconfiguration.pdf|archive-date=March 5, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2018|website=apta.com|publisher=TranSystems Corporation}}</ref> converting most [[Atlantic Branch]] service between these two stations into a high-frequency shuttle.<ref name="MTA-LIRR-Hicksville-2016" />  The LIRR also installed a new storage track east of [[Massapequa station|Massapequa]] and extended one east of [[Great Neck station]],<ref name="Nov 2017" /><ref name="Great Neck Record">{{cite web|author=Wendy Karpel Kreitzman|date=November 19, 2010|title=MTA Announces Second Pocket Track Proposed for LIRR in Great Neck|url=https://antonnews.com/greatneckrecord/news/11688-mta-announces-second-pocket-track-proposed-for-lirr-in-great-neck.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209021339/https://antonnews.com/greatneckrecord/news/11688-mta-announces-second-pocket-track-proposed-for-lirr-in-great-neck.html|archive-date=December 9, 2010|access-date=May 24, 2018|publisher=Great Neck Record}}</ref> in addition to expanding the train yard at [[Ronkonkoma station|Ronkonkoma]].<ref name="Nov 2017" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=L60601YL Port Washington Yard Reconfiguration|url=http://web.mta.info/capitaldashboard/allframenew_head.html?PROJNUM=l60601yl&PLTYPE=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903211912/http://web.mta.info/capitaldashboard/allframenew_head.html?PROJNUM=l60601yl&PLTYPE=1|archive-date=September 3, 2017|access-date=September 3, 2017|website=web.mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref name="schedule">{{cite web|title=Mid-Suffolk Yard Schedule|url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/midsuffolkyard/schedule.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906021615/http://web.mta.info/lirr/midsuffolkyard/schedule.htm|archive-date=September 6, 2015|access-date=November 2, 2015|work=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}</ref> An expansion of the yard at [[Port Washington station|Port Washington]] was also proposed, but {{As of|September 2022|lc=y}}, the MTA has not come to an agreement with the [[Town of North Hempstead]],<ref name="Nov 2020">{{cite report |url=https://new.mta.info/document/23951 |title=Joint Metro-North and Long Island Committees Meeting |date=November 2020 |website=mta.info |access-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-date=October 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013091935/https://new.mta.info/document/23951 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|65}} resulting in the project being postponed indefinitely.<ref name=senate092822>{{cite web |url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/2022/anna-m-kaplan/important-lirr-commuter-update-express-trains-have-been-saved |title=Important LIRR Commuter Update: Express Trains Have Been Saved |website=nysenate.gov |last=Kaplan |first=Anna M. |author-link=Anna Kaplan |date=September 28, 2022 |access-date=October 1, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Nov 2021">{{cite report |url=https://new.mta.info/document/64116 |title=Joint Metro-North and Long Island Committees Meeting |date=November 2021 |website=mta.info |access-date=June 15, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707000115/https://new.mta.info/document/64116 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|61}}

There are also plans to build [[Sunnyside station (New York City)|a new station]] in the Queens neighborhood of [[Sunnyside, Queens|Sunnyside]], in between the New York terminals and the [[Woodside station (LIRR)|Woodside]] station, serving as a rail hub for all LIRR branches and potentially some Amtrak and New Jersey Transit trains, as well.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=February 12, 2019|title=Queens Officials Renew Call For Sunnyside LIRR Station|url=https://patch.com/new-york/queens/queens-officials-renew-call-sunnyside-lirr-station|access-date=July 19, 2020|website=Queens, NY Patch|language=en}}</ref> The Sunnyside station is to be built after the completion of East Side Access, due to current capacity constraints.<ref name=":4" />

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
ESA Progress Photos - Concourse and Terminal - 40254364453.jpg|One of Grand Central Madison's lower-level platforms under construction in January 2019
Massapequa Pocket Track with Third rail.jpg|The new pocket track in Massapequa, located in between the two outer tracks, as viewed from a passing Babylon Branch train
Platform F construction from AirTrain, August 2019.JPG|Construction on Jamaica's new platform in August 2019
</gallery>

=== Main Line projects ===
[[File:WyandanchDoubleTracks2018RRCrossing.jpg|alt=The completed second track, as viewed from the reconstructed Wyandanch station.|thumb|The completed second track, as viewed from the reconstructed Wyandanch station.]]
In 2012, the LIRR started adding a second track along the formerly single-tracked section of the Main Line between [[Farmingdale station|Farmingdale]] and [[Ronkonkoma station]]s to increase track capacity and allow for enhanced service options.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/lirr/double-track-information-center-opens-today-ronkonkoma-station-part-lirr-public|title=Double Track' Information Center Opens Today at Ronkonkoma Station as Part of LIRR Public Outreach|date=January 16, 2013|work=mta.info|access-date=April 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414144631/http://www.mta.info/press-release/lirr/double-track-information-center-opens-today-ronkonkoma-station-part-lirr-public|archive-date=April 14, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The project was completed in September 2018.<ref>{{cite web | title=news – LIRR Opens Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track | website=MTA | date=September 21, 2018 | url=http://www.mta.info/news/2018/09/21/lirr-opens-ronkonkoma-branch-double-track | access-date=September 22, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922211559/http://www.mta.info/news/2018/09/21/lirr-opens-ronkonkoma-branch-double-track | archive-date=September 22, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7ny.com/4304599/|title=LIRR Double Track project completed ahead of schedule|date=September 21, 2018|website=ABC7 New York|access-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923005842/https://abc7ny.com/4304599/|archive-date=September 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

As part of the preparations for East Side Access's opening,<ref name="MTA 2007 Third Track Presentation">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/News/2008/MainLineCorridorImprovements.pdf |title=Main Line Corridor Improvements Project Presentation |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=January 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125170537/http://web.mta.info/lirr/News/2008/MainLineCorridorImprovements.pdf |archive-date=January 25, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> the LIRR also widened the two-track sections of the Main Line between [[Floral Park station|Floral Park]] and [[Hicksville station]]s to three tracks, in addition to eliminating each of the grade crossings and rebuilding all of the stations along this stretch of the Main Line.<ref name="NYT Fitzsimmons 01.05.2016">{{cite news |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Emma G. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/06/nyregion/cuomo-revives-long-stalled-plan-to-add-track-to-lirr.html |title=Cuomo Revives Long-Stalled Plan to Add Track to L.I.R.R. |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 5, 2016 |page=A18 |access-date=January 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107043947/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/06/nyregion/cuomo-revives-long-stalled-plan-to-add-track-to-lirr.html |archive-date=January 7, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MTA Third Track 01.05.2016">{{cite press release |url=http://www.mta.info/news-lirr-long-island-rail-road-hicksville-floral-park/2016/01/05/third-track-wiill-ease-commuting |title=LIRR Main Line Expansion Will Ease Commuting and Attract Businesses and Jobs |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |date=January 5, 2016 |access-date=January 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119051539/http://www.mta.info/news-lirr-long-island-rail-road-hicksville-floral-park/2016/01/05/third-track-wiill-ease-commuting |archive-date=January 19, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Work on the third-track project started in September 2018.<ref>{{cite web | title=LIRR Third Track Project Moving Forward Despite Concerns Of Residents | website=CBS New York | date=September 5, 2018 | url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/09/05/lirr-third-track-project-concerns/ | access-date=September 6, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906121418/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/09/05/lirr-third-track-project-concerns/ | archive-date=September 6, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Rivoli | first=Dan | title=Cuomo continues infrastructure tour with Long Island Rail Road groundbreaking | website=New York Daily News | date=September 5, 2018 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-lirr-third-track-cuomo-20180905-story.html | access-date=September 6, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906120050/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-lirr-third-track-cuomo-20180905-story.html | archive-date=September 6, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> The project was completed in 2022, in time for the opening of East Side Access.<ref>{{cite web | last=Duggan | first=Kevin | title='Third' time's the charm: MTA finishes $2.5 billion LIRR Third Track project | website=amNewYork | date=October 3, 2022 | url=https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-finishes-lirr-third-track/ | access-date=October 15, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=LIRR Completes Third Track Project | website=Railway Age | last=Vantuono | first=William C. | date=October 4, 2022 | url=https://www.railwayage.com/mw/lirr-completes-third-track-project/ | access-date=October 15, 2022}}</ref>

The larger Belmont Park Redevelopment Project called for a new [[Elmont station]] between the [[Queens Village station|Queens Village]] and [[Bellerose station|Bellerose]] stations on the Main Line, to better serve the new [[UBS Arena]] in the Nassau County neighborhood of [[Elmont, New York|Elmont]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Elmont Station|url=https://amodernli.com/project/new-elmont-station/|access-date=July 19, 2020|website=A Modern LI|language=en-US}}</ref> It is the first new station built by the LIRR in nearly 50 years; the last new station added was the former [[Southampton College (LIRR station)|Southampton College]] station on the Montauk Branch, which opened in 1976 and closed in 1998, due to low ridership and the high cost of installing [[high-level platform]]s for the then-new C3 railcars.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Construction|first1=M. T. A.|last2=Development|date=May 22, 2020|title=Construction of First New LIRR Station in a Half Century to Start at Elmont|url=https://www.amodernli.com/construction-of-first-new-lirr-station-in-a-half-century-to-start-at-elmont/|access-date=July 19, 2020|website=A Modern LI|language=en-US}}</ref> The eastbound platform of the Elmont station officially opened in November 2021,<ref>{{cite web | title=LIRR Elmont station projected to be ready in 2022|date=November 16, 2021 | website=Newsday | url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/lirr-elmont-station-ubs-arena-1.35311878 | access-date=November 19, 2021}}</ref> while the westbound platform opened in October 2022.<ref>{{cite web | title=Long Island Rail Road's Elmont-UBS Arena Station is open for game day transportation | website=WSHU | date=October 7, 2022 | url=https://www.wshu.org/long-island-news/2022-10-07/long-island-rail-roads-elmont-ubs-arena-station-is-open-for-game-day-transportation | access-date=October 15, 2022}}</ref>

=== Electrification projects ===
[[File:DE30 408 West Babylon DSC 0384.JPG|alt=As part of the MTA's 2020–2024 Capital Program, the Central Branch, shown here, will be electrified.|thumb|As part of the MTA's 2020–2024 Capital Program, the Central Branch, shown here, will be electrified.]]

As part of the 2020–2024 MTA Capital Program, the [[Central Branch (Long Island Rail Road)|Central Branch]] of the LIRR will be electrified, to allow for enhanced service options and capacity, and to mitigate service disruptions, should one arise.<ref name=":2" />

There have also been many pushes by residents and politicians over the past several decades – most recently by New York Senator [[Jim Gaughran (politician)|Jim Gaughran]] – to electrify the remainder of the Port Jefferson Branch between the [[Huntington station (LIRR)|Huntington]] and [[Port Jefferson station (LIRR)|Port Jefferson]] stations, in addition to the remainder of the Oyster Bay Branch between the [[East Williston station|East Williston]] and [[Oyster Bay station|Oyster Bay]] stations to enhance service in the served areas and to upgrade service capacities along the lines; electrifying these lines could lead to more frequent direct service to and from Manhattan, as diesel trains are not allowed in Penn Station and dual-mode trains exceed the clearance for the [[63rd Street Tunnel]] into [[Grand Central Madison]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Deedy|first=Donna|date=May 16, 2019|title=LIRR to develop plans for electrifying Port Jefferson and central branches|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/james-gaughran/lirr-develop-plans-electrifying-port-jefferson-and-central|access-date=July 19, 2020|work=TBR News Media|via=NY State Senate|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922080204/https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/james-gaughran/lirr-develop-plans-electrifying-port-jefferson-and-central|archive-date=September 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sen. Gaughran pushing for more trains for LIRR commuters|url=https://www.liherald.com/glenhead/stories/sen-gaughran-pushing-for-more-trains-for-lirr-commuters,114567|access-date=July 19, 2020|website=Herald Community Newspapers|date=May 9, 2019|last=Seidman|first=Alyssa|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=East Side Access Draft Environmental Impact Statement|url=http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/feisfiles/28_comments_and_responses.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://web.mta.info/capital/esa_docs/feisfiles/28_comments_and_responses.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority}}</ref>

== Law enforcement ==
[[File:MTA Police Baby Delivery (9464418211).jpg|alt=Two members of the MTA Police in Penn Station.|right|thumb|201x201px|Two officers for the MTA Police in Penn Station.]]
The Long Island Rail Road Police Department, founded in 1868,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arrts-arrchives.com/LIPDept.html|title=L.I.R.R. Police Dept|work=arrts-arrchives.com|access-date=June 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928153539/http://arrts-arrchives.com/LIPDept.html|archive-date=September 28, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> was absorbed along with the [[Metro-North Railroad]] Police Department to form the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department|Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department (MTA Police)]] in 1998.

== Criticism and controversy ==
=== Passenger issues ===
The LIRR has a long history of tense relations with its passengers.<ref>{{Cite news | title = The Gap What We Found, Thirty Years of Neglect | first1 = Jennifer | last1 = Maloney | first2 = Karla | last2 = Schuster | newspaper=Newsday | date = January 19, 2007 |id={{ProQuest|280144614}} }}</ref> Daily commuters have long had complaints about the LIRR's service. According to a 1999 article in ''[[The New York Times]],'' the LIRR's service woes were long considered part of the "unholy trinity of life on Long Island," along with the [[Long Island Lighting Company]]'s high rates and the [[Long Island Expressway]]'s traffic snarls.<ref>{{Cite news | title = The Long Island Rail Road: Busiest, but Far From Best | first = David M. | last = Halbfinger | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/30/nyregion/commuting-misery-special-report-long-island-rail-road-busiest-but-far-best.html | newspaper = New York Times | date = July 30, 1999 | access-date = September 15, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100831123514/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/30/nyregion/commuting-misery-special-report-long-island-rail-road-busiest-but-far-best.html | archive-date = August 31, 2010 | url-status = live }}</ref> Various commuter advocacy groups have been formed to try to represent those interests, in addition to the state mandated LIRR Commuters Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcac.org/lirrcc/goals |title=LIRRCC Mission Statement & Goals « The Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee (PCAC) to the MTA ( NY, NY) |publisher=PCAC |access-date=August 11, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813024039/http://www.pcac.org/lirrcc/goals/ |archive-date=August 13, 2014 }}</ref>

The LIRR has been criticized for not providing additional service to the [[East End (Long Island)|East End of Long Island]] as the twin forks continue to grow in popularity as a year-round tourist and residential destination. Demand is evidenced by flourishing for-profit bus services such as the [[Hampton Jitney]] and the [[Hampton Luxury Liner]] and the early formative stages of a new East End Transportation Authority.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastendshuttle.org/ |title=eastendshuttle.org |publisher=eastendshuttle.org |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527232314/http://eastendshuttle.org/ |archive-date=May 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Local politicians have joined the public outcry for the LIRR to either improve the frequency of east end services, or turn the operation over to a local transportation authority.

Critics claim that the [[on-time performance]] (OTP) calculated by the LIRR is manipulated to be artificially high. Because the LIRR does not release any raw timing data nor does it have independent (non-MTA) audits it is impossible to verify this claim, or the accuracy of the current On Time Performance measurement. The percentage measure is used by many other US passenger railroads but the criticism over accuracy is specific to the LIRR. As defined by the LIRR, a train is "on time" if it arrives at a station within 5 minutes and 59 seconds of the scheduled time.<ref>LIRR, [http://web.mta.info/mta/ind-perform/month/lirr-otp.htm – LIRR OTP] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128032119/http://www.mta.info/mta/ind-perform/month/lirr-otp.htm |date=November 28, 2007 }}</ref> The criterion was 4 minutes and 59 seconds until the LIRR changed it because of a bug in their computer systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lirrcommuters.org/A55D10/home.nsf/79ac00a06b2683fa852567ca007965b7/76c174526086cf74852573a20058ff37?OpenDocument |title=– LIRR On Time Performance questions |publisher=Lirrcommuters.org |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807053229/http://www.lirrcommuters.org/A55D10/home.nsf/79ac00a06b2683fa852567ca007965b7/76c174526086cf74852573a20058ff37?OpenDocument |archive-date=August 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Critics<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lirrcommuters.org/ |title=– LIRR Commuters Campaign |publisher=Lirrcommuters.org |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603014917/http://lirrcommuters.org/ |archive-date=June 3, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> believe the OTP measure does not reflect what commuters experience on a daily basis. The LIRR publishes the current OTP in a monthly booklet called TrainTalk.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/lirr/TrainTalk/ |title=MTA LIRR – TrainTalk – March 2015 |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=April 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410005140/http://web.mta.info/lirr/TrainTalk/ |archive-date=April 10, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> TrainTalk was previously known as "Keeping Track."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mtaig.state.ny.us/assets/pdf/07-22.pdf|title=The Long Island Rail Road's Lost Property Process MTA/OIG Report #2007-22|last=Kluger|first=Barry L.|date=December 2007|website=OIG|publisher=MTA Inspector General State of New York|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202014451/http://mtaig.state.ny.us/assets/pdf/07-22.pdf|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> A more accurate way to measure delays and OTP has been proposed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lirrcommuters.org/A55D10/home.nsf/79ac00a06b2683fa852567ca007965b7/76c174526086cf74852573a20058ff37?OpenDocument |title=– New OTP Proposal |publisher=Lirrcommuters.org |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807053229/http://www.lirrcommuters.org/A55D10/home.nsf/79ac00a06b2683fa852567ca007965b7/76c174526086cf74852573a20058ff37?OpenDocument |archive-date=August 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Called the "Passenger Hours Delayed" index it can measure total person-hours of a specific delay. This would be useful in comparing performance of specific days or incidents, day-to-day (or week-to-week) periods, but has not been adopted.

Ridership has increased from 81 million passengers in 2011 to 89.3 million passengers in 2016, which is the railroad's highest ridership since 1949. The all-time highest ridership was in 1929, when 119&nbsp;million passengers rode 1.89 billion passenger miles.<ref>{{Cite news | title = LIRR, AirTrain, Tri-Rail Note Higher Annual or Daily Passenger Counts | url = http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=15045 | newspaper = Progressive Railroading | date = February 8, 2008 | access-date = September 15, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090212174643/http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=15045 | archive-date = February 12, 2009 | url-status = live }}</ref> This increase in ridership has been attributed to the increased usage of the LIRR by millennials, and the increase of reverse-peak travel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/news/2017/01/23/lirr-and-metro-north-railroad-break-ridership-records|title=LIRR and Metro-North Railroad Break Ridership Records|date=January 23, 2017|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=January 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202025122/http://www.mta.info/news/2017/01/23/lirr-and-metro-north-railroad-break-ridership-records|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Pension and disability fraud scandal ===
A ''[[New York Times]]'' investigation in 2008 showed that 25% of LIRR employees who had retired since 2000 filed for disability payments from the federal Railroad Retirement Board and 97% of them were approved to receive disability pension. The total collected was more than $250,000,000 over eight years.<ref name="nyt"/> As a result, Railroad Retirement agents from Chicago inspected the [[Long Island]] office of the [[Railroad Retirement Board]] on September 23, 2008. New York [[List of Governors of New York|Governor]] [[David Paterson]] issued a statement calling for [[United States Congress|Congress]] to conduct a full review of the board's mission and daily activities. Officials at the board's headquarters responded to the investigation stating that all occupational disability annuities were issued in accordance with applicable laws.<ref name="nyt">{{Cite news | title = Agents Raid Office in L.I.R.R. Disability Inquiry | first1 = Walt | last1 = Bogdanich | first2 = Duff | last2 = Wilson | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/nyregion/24lirr.html | newspaper = The New York Times | date = September 23, 2008 | access-date = September 15, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111219130636/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/nyregion/24lirr.html | archive-date = December 19, 2011 | url-status = live }}</ref>

On November 17, 2008, a former LIRR pension manager was arrested and charged with official misconduct for performing outside work without permission.  However, these charges were all dismissed for "no merit" by Supreme Court Judge Kase on December 11, 2009, on the grounds that the prosecution had misled the grand jury in the indictment.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Judge dismisses most charges against LIRR official |first=Alfonso A. |last=Castillo |url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/judge-dismisses-most-charges-against-lirr-official-1.1649523 |newspaper=Newsday |date=December 11, 2009 |access-date=March 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629203408/http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/judge-dismisses-most-charges-against-lirr-official-1.1649523 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A report produced in September 2009 by the [[Government Accountability Office]] stated that the rate at which retirees were rewarded disability claims was above the norm for the industry in general and indicated "troubling" practices that may indicate fraud, such as the use of a very small group of physicians in making diagnoses.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 9, 2009 |url=http://www.gao.gov/htext/d09821r.html |title=Railroad Retirement Board: Review of Commuter Railroad Occupational Disability Claims |website=U.S. Government Accountability Office |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015124626/http://www.gao.gov/htext/d09821r.html |archive-date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=October 17, 2009}}</ref>

Another series of arrests on October 27, 2011, included two doctors and a former union official.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Jonathan |last1=Dienst |first2=Shimon |last2=Prokupecz |first3=Joe |last3=Valiquette |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/132683463.html |work=NBC New York |date=October 27, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628230815/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/132683463.html |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |title=11 charged in Massive LIRR Disability Pension Scandal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Pension Disability Fraud Charges Against 11 Defendants Associated with the Long Island Rail Road That Could Cost $1 Billion|url=https://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2011/manhattan-u.s.-attorney-announces-pension-disability-fraud-charges-against-11-defendants-associated-with-the-long-island-railroad-that-could-cost-1-billion|publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] – New York Field Office|date=October 27, 2011|access-date=July 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312201231/https://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2011/manhattan-u.s.-attorney-announces-pension-disability-fraud-charges-against-11-defendants-associated-with-the-long-island-railroad-that-could-cost-1-billion/|archive-date=March 12, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to court documents, from 1998 through 2011, 79% of LIRR retirees obtained federal disability when they retired. On August 6, 2013, a doctor and two consultants were found guilty in connection with the accusations and sentenced to prison.<ref>{{cite news|title=Doctor And Two Consultants Found Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court In LIRR Disability Fraud Scheme|url=https://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/pressreleases/August13/LesniewskiVerdict.php|publisher=[[United States Department of Justice|DOJ]] – [[United States District Court for the Southern District of New York|Southern District of New York]]|date=August 6, 2013|access-date=December 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228091909/http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/pressreleases/August13/LesniewskiVerdict.php|archive-date=December 28, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Disability Doctor Peter J. Lesniewski Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to Eight Years in Prison for His Role in Long Island Rail Road Fraud Scheme|url=https://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2014/disability-doctor-peter-j.-lesniewski-sentenced-in-manhattan-federal-court-to-eight-years-in-prison-for-his-role-in-long-island-railroad-fraud-scheme|publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] – New York Field Office|date=February 21, 2014|access-date=July 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313074501/https://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2014/disability-doctor-peter-j.-lesniewski-sentenced-in-manhattan-federal-court-to-eight-years-in-prison-for-his-role-in-long-island-railroad-fraud-scheme/|archive-date=March 13, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Disability Doctor Peter J. Ajemian Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court for His Role in Long Island Rail Road Fraud Scheme|url=https://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2013/disability-doctor-peter-j.-ajemian-pleads-guilty-in-manhattan-federal-court-for-his-role-in-long-island-railroad-fraud-scheme|publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] – New York Field Office|date=January 18, 2013|access-date=July 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313014148/https://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2013/disability-doctor-peter-j.-ajemian-pleads-guilty-in-manhattan-federal-court-for-his-role-in-long-island-railroad-fraud-scheme/|archive-date=March 13, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Overtime fraud scandals ===

In 2018, LIRR foreman Raymond Murphy was discovered at or near his home on 10 separate occasions whilst claiming overtime pay. Murphy earned $405,021 in 2017, of which $295,490 was overtime. According to reports, he was allowed to retire with a full public pension before being reprimanded or punished.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2019/07/09/lirr-overtime-cheat-hung-out-at-home-on-the-clock-retired-with-full-pension-anyway/ |title=LIRR overtime 'cheat' hung out at home on the clock, retired with full pension anyway |author=David Meyer |date=July 9, 2019 |website= New York Post |access-date= July 23, 2023}}</ref>

In 2021, LIRR employee and track inspector Thomas Caputo and co-conspirators John Nugent and Joseph Balestra were federally convicted for large-scale overtime fraud.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/highest-paid-mta-employee-2018-sentenced-8-months-overtime-fraud-scheme |title=Highest Paid MTA Employee In 2018 Sentenced To 8 Months In Overtime Fraud Scheme |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=February 4, 2022 |website= US Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York |access-date= July 19, 2023}}</ref> Caputo was paid approximately $461,000 in 2018, of which $344,000 was supposed overtime. He claimed to have worked 3,864 overtime hours, an average of more than 10 hours of overtime for all 365 days the year. Phone, bank, email, and other records revealed many of these hours were fraudulent: Caputo was clocked in during vacation and while attending outside social events such as a bowling league.

== See also ==
{{Portal|New York City|New York (state)|Railways}}
* [[List of presidents and trustees of the Long Island Rail Road]]
* [[History of the Long Island Rail Road]]
* [[List of Long Island Rail Road stations|List of Long Island Rail Road Stations]]
* [[Long Island Rail Road Demonstration Farm]]
* [[Long Island Rail Road rolling stock]]
* [[Palsgraf v. Long Island Rail Road Co.]]
* [[1993 Long Island Rail Road shooting]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
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*[https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road MTA Long Island Rail Road]

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