MTA adds LIRR trains to Shinnecock Hills to keep up with U.S. Open demand
The trains to the U.S. Open were so crowded that people were being left on the platform Thursday. Credit: Newsday / Alexandra Moreo
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority added Long Island Rail Road trains Friday morning to accommodate demand for its service to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for the second day of the U.S. Open.
Two additional trains originating from the Patchogue station arrived at the Shinnecock station at 9:25 a.m. and 10:34 a.m., MTA spokesperson Maria Baldeo told Newsday in an email.
"LIRR is monitoring travel this afternoon to determine whether to provide additional trains," Baldeo said. "Meantime, we anticipate trains to U.S. Open will continue to be quite popular."
The additions come after trains were so packed on Thursday that people were left on the platform.
Montauk Branch trains faced scattered delays of up to 40 minutes due to the high number of passengers heading to the Open, Newsday reported. Delays continued on that branch Friday evening up to 30 minutes both westbound and eastbound, according to the LIRR.
The LIRR expected thousands to travel to Shinnecock Hills this week and was planning to run 25 trains Thursday and Friday for the championship rounds — 12 arrivals and 13 departures. The LIRR planned to run 26 trains arriving and departing the U.S. Open on Saturday and Sunday.
The U.S. Golf Association built a temporary train platform for added stops at Shinnecock Hills, arriving near the Stony Brook Southampton campus. Passengers are guided through security across a pedestrian bridge over County Route 39 to the course.
U.S. Open-goers should be sure to check the MTA website at www.mta.info for updated schedules.
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