LIRR offers storm schedules to riders

The goal, Long Island Rail Road officials said, is to keep train service operating "as long as possible" during a storm.

To that end, the railroad Wednesday announced "Storm Recovery Timetables" -- available on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's website -- to keep riders informed about modified schedules to be implemented before, during and after major storms to help minimize disruptions in service.

The LIRR began working on special schedules after the post-Christmas blizzard of 2010, which caused three days of widespread delays and cancellations. A simpler version of an emergency timetable was made available to riders about a year ago.

Under the new slate of four modified schedules announced Wednesday, riders should expect changes that range from 20 train cancellations to trains running at two-hour intervals on only four key branches -- Babylon, Port Jefferson, Port Washington and Ronkonkoma.

When any of the modified schedules is implemented, riders also should expect systemwide delays of 10 to 15 minutes after the posted schedule, officials said.

Under Modified Schedule 1, a regular weekday schedule will be in effect, except that the railroad will cancel up to 20 trains in either the morning or evening rush.

Under Modified Schedule 2, the railroad said it would run a weekend schedule, with plans to add 37 extra eastbound or westbound trains to cope.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

Modified Schedule 3 calls for trains operating at one-hour intervals on the four key branches. Service would be suspended on all other branches, and trains would shuttle passengers between Brooklyn's Atlantic Terminal and Jamaica station.

Under Modified Schedule 4, service on the four main branches would operate at two-hour intervals. All other service would be suspended, including train service between Atlantic Terminal and Jamaica.

"The LIRR's goal is to keep operating as long as possible during a storm," the railroad said in a statement. "We know our customers depend on the LIRR to get to and from work and other destinations. And we take that responsibility very seriously."

Citing safety concerns, railroad officials said service may have to be suspended if snow accumulations reach 10 inches.