NICE restores Hicksville-Jones Beach service

It will be easier than it has been in years to take a bus to Jones Beach this summer.

The Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) has announced the reinstatement of summer bus service between Hicksville and Jones Beach beginning on May 25.

The N87 line will join the N88 between Freeport and Jones Beach as a public transportation option for beachgoers.

"Improving access to Jones Beach is a meaningful way for NICE to enhance the role of bus transit in Nassau County and create an affordable, convenient alternative for customers," NICE chief executive Mike Setzer said.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which previously operated Nassau's bus system, eliminated the N87 in 2010, and also got rid of night service on the N88 that served customers returning from evening concerts at Jones Beach. NICE, which took over the system last year, restored evening service on the N88 last summer.

NICE officials said they made the decision to bring back the N87 after seeing the high demand for bus service to the beach.

The N87 will offer hourly service, making local stops between Hicksville and Wantagh along Newbridge Road, North Jerusalem Road and Wantagh Avenue, with Jones Beach as a last stop. The N88 runs hourly, nonstop, from Freeport to Jones Beach.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

Both buses will make stops at Jones Beach's two bathhouses and the Central Mall.

"New York State Parks is excited that NICE bus will be expanding service from Hicksville to Jones Beach. This route will enable additional Long Islanders to visit and enjoy Jones Beach State Park and all the recreational facilities it has to offer," New York State Parks spokesman George Gorman said.

NICE will also team with the Long Island Rail Road to offer discounted Jones Beach travel packages this summer. The round-trip LIRR and bus fare will cost $18.50 from Penn Station or Atlantic Terminal, and $15.25 from Jamaica.