LIRR Cites Crowding, Asks Riders to Delay Trips

The Long Island Rail Road said Monday night that it had restored "very limited" service between Huntington and Penn Station. But Tuesday morning, the LIRR warned commuters of crowding because far fewer trains were running and "If possible, please delay your commute."

There is no service between Huntington and Port Jefferson. The LIRR was referring to the "Huntington branch" instead of the Port Jefferson line. The Huntingtington line includes stops at Syosset, Mineola and New Hyde Park.

All trains on the LIRR website are listed as off-peak, with a travel time to Penn Station of slightly more than an hour from Huntington. On a normal schedule, Huntington commuters would have the option of four to six trains an hour at peak times.

Limited service eastbound on the Port Washington line was restored earlier in the evening.

Of the other lines, the LIRR said "this suspension continues until safe and reliable service can be restored." It also said that several cars that had become stranded on LIRR crossings "have hampered the recovery."

People looking to travel by rail are urged to watch the LIRR website for updates.

The railroad had initially suspended most eastbound trains Sunday night because of switching problems at Jamaica but later halted trains in both directions as the snow began accumulating on tracks. The railroad says packed ice and snow and frozen switches have been the primary service problems.

Off-peak fares will be in effect only Tuesday only.  NYC Transit will cross-honor LIRR fares from Hunterspoint Avenue, Long Island City, Atlantic Avenue Terminal, Jamaica and Penn Station.