Government and transportation officials unveiled the first new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station in nearly 50 years on Tuesday in Elmont.
The Elmont LIRR station will open to riders on Saturday, Nov. 20, the same day that the New York Islanders play their first home game at the brand-new UBS Arena, located at Belmont Park.
“Nothing says New York is back like building bigger and better transportation infrastructure,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Just in time for the Islanders’ season opener, the start of service for the first new LIRR station in 50 years is the type of project that my administration will continue to pursue as we strive to make Long Island more accessible and give Long Islanders the quality public transportation they deserve.”
Riders will be able to travel eastbound from the Elmont station. Westbound service will be added in summer 2022. Both platforms are still being completed. Once finished, the station will feature:
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two 12-car-long, high-level platforms with canopies
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elevators that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
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a pedestrian overpass
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USB charging stations
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Help Points
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security cameras
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digital signs with train arrival information
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Wi-Fi
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snow melting system embedded in the concrete of the platforms to ensure they are ice-free after winter storms
Officials, including State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, MTA Acting Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, and others, took a ceremonial first ride from Jamaica station to Elmont station on Tuesday to celebrate.
“As New York continues its comeback, this beautiful, modern new station will provide our customers with the fastest, safest and greenest way to get to the state-of-the-art UBS Arena,” Lieber said. “This station delivers amenities and conveniences that give customers the ability to enjoy New York Islanders games, concerts and all of the fantastic events that will happen here, further incentivizing them to return to mass transit.”
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