Commuter Connection Expands Westward

Pictured Above: Public officials froze their toes at the kickoff of the South Fork Commuter Connection in February.

Beginning Sept. 3, the second afternoon westbound South Fork Commuter Connection train will now go as far Westhampton. It had previously ended in Hampton Bays. The South Fork Commuter Connection will also resume Friday service beginning September 6.

The added Westhampton stop follows requests by riders and the urging of State Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman and East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc.   

This change allows early morning commuters to avoid more of the morning eastbound commuter traffic. Before this change, these riders had to board in Hampton Bays because the later return train ended its westbound trip in Hampton Bays.

The new schedule alters the original afternoon westbound train schedule departure times by two minutes.  For example, the westbound departure time in Montauk that was at 4:50 p.m will now depart at 4:52 p.m.  

The departure time for Bridgehampton, which was 5:23 p.m., will now depart at 5:25 p.m. 

The train will now end in Westhampton at 6:01 p.m.  That trip used to end in Hampton Bays at 5:43 but many riders said they wanted the train to continue at least as far as Westhampton to help them get closer to home.    

“I am pleased that we have been able to address the needs of commuters and improve their experience with the South Fork Commuter Connection by adding an evening stop in Westhampton,” said New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele. “We are also continuing to work with the Long Island Rail Road to provide needed infrastructure, such as sidings, so that commuters will be able to enjoy more frequent and convenient service in the future. I thank the towns and the LIRR for their ongoing commitment to this critical transportation service.”

“We listened to what riders wanted and we were able to accommodate this added stop,” said Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.  “We are still working with the railroad to make other changes to improve the system in the future.”

 For more information, visit www.sfcclirr.com.