LIRR makes direct weekday train from Penn Station to Montauk permanent

Great news for East End commuters.

The Long Island Rail Road’s 5:14 p.m. weekday train from Penn Station to Montauk will become a permanent part of the railroad’s schedule after Labor Day, giving riders a year-round, one-seat ride to the East End.

LIRR President Rob Free told The East Hampton Press that the train will continue running directly from Penn Station to Montauk every weekday year-round after Labor Day, eliminating the need for passengers to transfer in Jamaica.

The evening train traditionally continued past Speonk only on summer Fridays. The LIRR added Wednesday service two years ago before expanding the direct trip to all five weekdays this summer.

The move comes after years of infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing service on the South Fork.

Ahead of this year’s U.S. Open, the LIRR completed track improvements in Southampton. The railroad also built a second platform at the Hampton Bays station, allowing two trains to board and discharge passengers simultaneously.

New signal systems installed throughout the South Fork over the past year have also improved reliability and allow trains to operate at higher speeds, MTA officials have said.

Kay Tyler, executive director of Concerned Citizens of Montauk, said the environmental nonprofit has waited years to see expanded rail service become a reality.

“It’s a win for commuters, families and the East End,” Tyler told Greater Long Island. “It makes getting here easier, gives people a real alternative to driving and helps cut down on traffic. It also improves quality of life, especially for families with kids. Having a direct train just makes life a little easier.”