LIRR changes require patience and understanding from riders and politicians

With big change comes broad reaction — from deafening applause to deep criticism. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority must respond effectively to all of it.

The MTA is months away from opening Grand Central Madison, the Long Island Rail Road's new East Side terminal, and the Main Line's Third Track. And the promised remake of Penn Station has a pulse. It's a series of significant events with many moving parts whose importance and impact can't be overstated. But neither can the complexity of overhauling schedules, while trying to spread resources among three terminals.

So, it's time to appreciate what LIRR riders are getting — expanded peak and off-peak service systemwide, a new terminal, more track capacity, a reverse commute and, hopefully, a brighter, better Penn. 

But it's also time for riders to show patience, since this is just the first scheduling attempt. Politicians, too, must recognize the many advantages of these projects. Manhattan elected officials critical of East Side Access and Penn improvements should remember those efforts will benefit all commuters, including their own constituents, even while encouraging small fixes to assuage concerns.

For the LIRR, it's time to listen to feedback and address real complaints. That starts with offering more opportunities for rider input beyond the one public comment session scheduled for July 13. It's clear from informal rider response that Long Islanders have a lot to say.

Then, LIRR officials must assess whether schedule changes are necessary. They also must protect the railroad's slots at Penn so they can restore more service as needed. With something this large, no bureaucracy will get it right immediately. Appropriate fixes that help commuters without disrupting the complex puzzle of trains, tracks and transfers could be warranted.

But riders also must be willing to vary their usual routines and try something new, perhaps heading to Grand Central Madison instead of Brooklyn to get to Lower Manhattan, or transferring at a different spot. Use this opportunity to find your best ride.

The MTA also has to better explain to riders why broader changes — as with Jamaica transfers, Brooklyn service and the inclusion of more stops along some routes — are necessary and how they will help. The shuttle train from Jamaica to Brooklyn, for instance, makes sense, but signage and assistance for passengers in need would help. Extra stops in the outer boroughs and in Long Island communities between LIRR hubs are critical and will fill in past gaps. Reverse commute and off-peak trains are key, as riding patterns shift.

Improvements at Penn Station will help everyone who uses the complex or lives and works nearby. That's a message city elected officials and area residents must hear.

Change is never easy. But in the end, a new terminal, better service and commuting options, and a Penn rejuvenation will reshape the LIRR experience and the region's economy. For that, there should be only applause.