Tomorrow will begin the “summer of hell” as Amtrak begins emergency repairs at Penn Station affecting approximately 10,000 Long Island Railroad riders. Repairs are expected to affect weekday peak LIRR service until September 1. If you are a regular subway rider in Queens, you are already familiar with the dire conditions projected for this summer, as we live them every day. Now, for many of us, it’s about to get even worse.

What will change tomorrow?

LIRR trains will see decreased service, be suspended or rerouted. A full list of changes are available online. Many LIRR riders will be directed to the Jamaica Station for E, J, and Z transfers. Others will be directed to Long Island City to transfer to the 7 train at Hunterspoint Av or to a shuttle bus to the Hunters Point South ferry. A third option is available to the Long Island City station, where a connection to the Hunters Point South ferry is a short walk away. 

Additional ferry service will be provided, but as you know, the 7 is currently running at capacity and there are no additional trains added during rush hour. Furthermore, there has not been any public announcement about increasing E train service. During the morning commute only, there will be free LIRR-to-subway transfers at Hunterspoint Ave to the 7 and at Jamaica to the E, J, Z. However, subway riders should expect increased ridership throughout the day. 

If you find yourself unable to access the 7 Train or any of the trains at Court Square or 74th St/Roosevelt Ave, refer to the 7 Train Survival Guide for alternate ways to get where you are going. 

Let us know how your commute is going. Reach out to @7TrainBlues on Twitter & Instagram or post pictures and video in 7 Train Blues on Facebook