ICYMI: SOUTH FORK COMMUTER CONNECTION SERVICE TO RESUME SEPTEMBER 7

Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Senator Anthony Palumbo, LIRR President Phillip Eng, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman and East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc today announced that the South Fork Commuter Connection (SFCC) service is back by popular demand and will resume on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. SFCC service was initially suspended in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The SFCC is a coordinated rail and bus system created in 2019 to operate during peak commuter hours, in order to provide workers with a public transportation option. This service will operate Monday through Friday, except for summer Fridays and holidays. The SFCC provides commuters with two “morning rush” eastbound trains and two “afternoon rush” westbound trains, stopping in Speonk, Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk. “Last mile” shuttle services are included as part of the service to facilitate the commute and will bring riders to the Villages, hamlets and employment centers. Late afternoon bus and train services will return riders to their stations of origin. 

For customers traveling within Zone 14 (Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, Montauk) the LIRR fare is $3.25 each way. Riders can purchase their LIRR tickets via the following methods: vending machines at stations, via the MTA eTix app, and via mail. Riders can also purchase daily, weekly and monthly passes. For Speonk customers, in order to take advantage of the $3.25 fare, they must purchase a special SFCC ticket from a Full-Service Ticket Machine at Speonk, Westhampton, Hampton Bays or Southampton. The ticket can be found under the “Deals & Getaways” menu on the main screen and selecting “Long Island Getaways” followed by South Fork Commuter Connection. The $3.25 fare includes the train service and local “last mile” shuttle service. For more detailed information on the SFCC please visit https://new.mta.info/article/south-fork-commuter-connection. Schedule information is attached. 

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “I am thrilled that the East End will see the restoration of this tremendously successful commuter service. The restoration of this critical service will provide much needed relief for our workforce commuters. With the dramatic increase of traffic on the East End as a result of the pandemic and people fleeing to the East End, this service is needed now more than ever. I thank my state and local partners, as well as LIRR President Phil Eng, for their continued commitment to the SFCC.” 

Senator Anthony Palumbo stated, “The restoration of the South Fork Commuter Connection is a vital resource in addressing the traffic problems on the South Fork. This area is experiencing unprecedented growth putting tremendous stress on already crowded roadways. Additionally, the high cost of housing has put home ownership on the South Fork out of reach to so many in our workforce who are now forced to commute greater distances to their jobs. This rail service will be beneficial to our hard working residents and will go a long way in alleviating congestion on our roads. Thank you to LIRR and my partners in government for making the commuter connection a reality.” 

LIRR President Phillip Eng stated, "Any chance we have to get commuters out of their cars and onto public transit while reducing traffic is a win-win-win for customers, communities, and our environment. This partnership with local East End officials is a true testament on how we can work together to improve the quality of life for so many. As we strive to continue to support the needs of Long Island and local businesses, we're thrilled to restore this service that will allow more people to sit back, relax on the railroad and leave the driving to us." 

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming stated, “As the Vice Chair of the Public Works, Transportation, and Energy Committee and the Chair of the Transportation Working Group, I am pleased that the South Fork Commuter Connection will resume service on September 7th. This critical line of transportation accommodates workers on the East End while also reducing traffic and pollution on our roads. I commend all stakeholders involved in reinstating this important service for the community and improving the availability of public transportation throughout Suffolk County. I am especially grateful to Assemblyman Fred Thiele for his leadership, and am grateful to Phil Eng on the LIRR for restoring this critically important service.” 

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman stated, "Our road system was never meant to handle the volume of traffic we are now experiencing. Traffic is impacting every aspect of our lives, from congesting neighborhood backroads to making it hard for businesses to recruit employees. The railroad, matched with the town shuttle buses, provide a fast and affordable way to get to work. Thank you to Assemblyman Thiele and Phil Eng for getting this program back on track."  

East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc stated, “The South Fork Commuter Connection proved extremely popular with workforce commuters to East Hampton. We welcome the return of the train and bus shuttle service that allows them to avoid worsening road traffic. On behalf of our workforce and employers I thank the LIRR for resuming this vital train service.” 

President & CEO of the Long Island Association, Matt Cohen, stated, “It is great news that the South Fork Commuter Connection is restarting as more transit opportunities have the potential to help businesses with their hiring challenges and provide more options for people who want to travel to the East End. Thank you Assemblyman Thiele, LIRR President Eng and all of the officials who are helping to give our economy a much-needed boost.”