The MTA’s assertion that Grand Central Madison Station has boosted Long Island Railroad (LIRR) services by over 40% has come under scrutiny from a recent state audit.
The report, led by State Secretary Thomas DiNapoli, reviewed the LIRR’s performance from January 2021 to November 2023, focusing on the period surrounding the $11 billion Grand Central Madison Station, which opened in early 2023.
While the MTA had touted a 41% increase in daily LIRR trains—from 665 to 936—an audit conducted in late May found that the actual rise is closer to 23%. Almost half of the claimed additional trains are merely short shuttle runs between Jamaica and Brooklyn.
These extra service runs were meant to reduce commute times and enhance flows of riders between Long Island and New York City. Instead, the audit revealed that passengers have faced prolonged delays and longer trips.
“Some passengers might need to shift their travel times, endure longer wait periods, and navigate more complex routes due to eliminated direct services,” the audit stated.
The MTA responded to these findings, emphasizing the added trains running between Penn Station and Jamaica. They claimed, “118 additional trains to East New York, Nostrand Avenue, and the Atlantic Terminal have been counted at key stations in the city’s terminal zone.”
“Last year, ridership increased by 10%, and passengers have more train options now than ever before,” the statement continued.
“With the number of available East River Tunnels reduced for repairs, Grand Central Madison offers necessary operational flexibility, allowing Long Islanders to reach their destinations,” they added.
LIRR President Robert Free defended the service amidst the audit, pointing out a “post-pandemic record” in customer satisfaction and asserting that many commuters are benefitting from the changes linked to Grand Central Madison’s opening.
MTA policy director John McCarthy justified the additional train services to Brooklyn, indicating the area is a significant hub for riders on Long Island.
However, Peter Haynes, a former LIRR Projects specialist, expressed that he was somewhat pleased to see the agency being scrutinized.
“Railroads have a long history of focusing on counting trains and equipment instead of the actual passengers,” said Haynes, who is also the founder of a commuting advocacy group.
“So, it’s not surprising that someone finally noticed the lack of attention to the passenger experience,” he added.
Lighting designer Jeremy Bird, who regularly commutes to Penn Station from Long Island, mentioned that he’s opted for simpler routes and tends to avoid Grand Central Madison.
“It’s usually easier to go to Penn,” Bird said, adding, “I wish they would lower fares, but that never seems to happen.”
DiNapoli’s Office has put forth various suggestions aimed at enhancing transparency and engaging riders, including establishing formal mechanisms for addressing commuter feedback.
“We trust this audit will offer valuable insights into how to tackle LIRR riders’ concerns and improve their experiences,” DiNapoli remarked.
