LIRR's new winter formula
Snow at the LIRR station in Jamaica Credit: Dave Sanders
The Long Island Rail Road is creating five new schedules for snowstorms, ranging from an almost full weekday slate down to trains once every two hours on the four main branches only. It will be helpful for commuters to know what to expect when the weather turns brutal.
But the real question is whether the LIRR has what it needs to provide service through the harsh winter. According to officials, the answer is yes . . . and no.
When passengers see ancient switches warmed with switch heaters that are essentially flaming liquid in pots, they likely feel they're traveling through a Dickens novel. Officials say new switches, planned as part of the revamping of Jamaica Station for East Side access, will help. But officials also say they mostly have what they need to clear snow and ice - though operating that equipment is laborious and keeps trains from running while it is on the tracks.
The LIRR can't afford massive amounts of equipment for really unusual storms and freakishly snowy seasons. Truly bad weather means trains, like many aspects of life, won't function well. The LIRR should always be looking to improve, but riders must be realistic.
As for the new emergency weather schedules, when the LIRR publicizes what the level of service is going to be during and after a storm, it must live up to it. Lowering expectations only helps if you then meet them. hN
