The revamped LIRR schedule due to the full Grand Central opening left many in Oyster Bay frustrated and demanding change. An official rally led by Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and local officials is slated for next week. The rally will take place at Oyster Bay Train Station on Monday, March 6th, at 1:00 PM.
“Following the launch of an online petition signed by over 2,000 commuters, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and officials will rally with commuters, business owners and residents outraged by the LIRR’s new schedule. The MTA’s new schedule is detrimental to a community that already faces decreased train service,” reads the corresponding press release from Saladino’s office. “What’s worse, these service cuts come as Governor Hochul has proposed an increase to the MTA Payroll Mobility Tax. Dozens will gather to call for immediate service restorations and oppose the $800 million MTA Mobility Payroll Tax Hike proposal planned for employers, local governments and self-employed individuals.”
The petition outlines a desire to see the MTA revitalize the Oyster Bay line by adding an additional rush hour train, piloting an “express train,” and investing in Battery Electric trains. A longer, more in-depth presentation made by Oyster Bay residents obtained by La Voce Di New York further contends how the Oyster Bay line has been neglected under the new schedule and proposes various short-term and medium-term solutions. This presentation had previously been shared with MTA President Janno Lieber and Interim President of the Long Island Railroad Cathy Rinaldi.
