Amtrak is preparing a new intercity rail service connecting Long Island’s Ronkonkoma Station to Penn Station in New York, with future service extending to Washington, D.C. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak is preparing a new intercity rail service connecting Long Island’s Ronkonkoma Station to Penn Station in New York, with future service extending to Washington, D.C.
Extending Amtrak Northeast Regional service to Ronkonkoma would provide Long Island’s 5.4 million residents with an intercity rail alternative for the first time in over 80 years.
Photo – Amtrak

The proposed route includes three daily round trips and would mark the first intercity rail access for Long Island in over 80 years. Trains would run on the Northeast Corridor, Long Island Rail Road’s Main Line, and the Ronkonkoma Branch.

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Amtrak plans stops at Jamaica and Hicksville, providing easier connections for Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties. The Jamaica Station link to JFK Airport and Ronkonkoma’s access to Long Island MacArthur Airport add more convenience.

Amtrak Sees High Demand for Long Island Connections

Nicole Bucich, Amtrak’s Vice President of Network Development, highlighted the strong demand. She noted that many riders from Long Island travel south of New York City but lack direct Amtrak options.

Currently, most Long Island residents rely on LIRR to reach Amtrak trains at Penn Station. Direct service would simplify travel and reduce transfer times.

By expanding this corridor, Amtrak could attract a significant share of new passengers. The estimated population base of 5.4 million makes the area a key growth target.

Amtrak and FRA to Share Project Costs and Oversight

Amtrak is finalizing its schedule, scope, and budget as part of the FRA’s corridor identification program. The company expects joint funding through the FRA’s Corridor ID Program and internal Amtrak resources.

This strategic expansion supports broader goals to improve regional mobility and relieve road congestion. It also aligns with Amtrak’s push to modernize rail travel in the Northeast.

If approved, the service could reshape commuting patterns while offering a viable alternative for intercity passengers. The plan reflects Amtrak’s vision for future-ready infrastructure and stronger regional access.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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