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1/26/2023
MTA Long Island Rail Road this week began initial operation of direct train service into Grand Central Madison in New York City.
The train was the first of Grand Central Direct trains to operate between Jamaica and Grand Central Madison, which doubles LIRR capacity into Manhattan. In conjunction with the completion of a third track on the LIRR Main Line, the new terminal enables reverse-commuting options that were not previously possible, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said in a press release.
"Grand Central Madison is a game changer for New Yorkers, and I look forward to welcoming Long Island commuters to our tremendous new terminal," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who rode the inaugural train on Jan. 25.
The terminal also provides seamless connectivity throughout the MTA region, with both commuter railroads and the New York City Transit subway all in one building for the first time. The beginning of service now enables the possibility of transferring directly between the LIRR and MTA Metro-North Railroad, MTA officials said.
The new terminal features eight tracks, four platforms and 714,000 square feet of space. Grand Central Madison and Main Line Third Track are part of an unprecedented $17.7 billion investment to transform and modernize the LIRR with 100 projects throughout the system.
Grand Central Madison is the first new major downtown rail terminal in the United States in 67 years and represents the first expansion of the LIRR in 112 years.