LIRR advises of service, payment changes beginning Saturday

Because of a planned computer hardware / software upgrade, riders will have to pay by cash -- not credit or debit cards -- at ticket windows and machines systemwide from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, the LIRR said on its site.

In addition, riders will have to pay by cash from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday at select stations on the Babylon, Montauk, Oyster Bay, Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma lines. For a list, see new.mta.info/lirr

Also, no credit / debit cards can be used at ticket windows and machines systemwide from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, the LIRR said.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

Bus service will replace trains between Wyandanch and Ronkonkoma from 12:45 to 6:30 a.m. Saturday to allow for track inspection "to detect internal rail defects not readily visible to the eye," the LIRR said in a release.

Eastbound riders can expect up to 24 minutes of added travel time, and westbound, up to 41 minutes.

"Early morning travelers heading home from after midnight should plan ahead," the release said.

Trains will be replaced by buses Saturday from 12:37 to 6:30 a.m. between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma because of track testing, the LIRR said.

Eastbound riders can anticipate up to 24 minutes of added travel time, and westbound, up to 41 minutes.

Schedules for westbound travelers on the Far Rockaway and Hempstead branches will be altered from 12:07 a.m. Saturday to 12:42 a.m. Monday, as renewal work is done on the West Broadway crossing in Hewlett, the LIRR said.

Far Rockaway trains will leave about 30 minutes earlier than normal, and Hempstead trains, about 30 minutes later, the LIRR said.