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Governor Hochul Announces Start of Two-Way Event Day Service at LIRR Elmont-UBS Arena Station

Islanders Fans, Concert Attendees Can Now Take Westbound Trains Directly to UBS Arena

New Platforms at Elmont-UBS Arena Station Are Accessible and Feature Modern Amenities Including Overpass that Allows Customers to Cross Safely Between Eastbound and Westbound Platforms

Elmont-UBS Arena Station Will Be a Full-Service Station This Year

Station Includes New Artwork Unveiled Today, Cyclical Everything, by Shawna X

View Photos of the Event Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road Elmont-UBS Arena Station, the first new LIRR station in almost 50 years, can now accommodate both eastbound and westbound trains on UBS Arena event days and will begin full-time year-round service by the end of 2022. Starting today, Long Islanders who live east of Belmont Park will have a one-seat ride straight to UBS Arena events. This will reduce travel times and is expected to increase the number of event attendees who use public transportation, helping alleviate traffic congestion on Long Island. Those traveling from New York City can now directly return after events on many trains without the need to board a shuttle bus to Queens Village Station that had been offered last year.

"Having both modern, accessible platforms open at the world-class Elmont-UBS Arena Station is a victory for Long Island and the State of New York," Governor Hochul said. "New Yorkers will now enjoy a smoother ride to and from Islanders games and concerts, and I look forward to continuing to bring transformative projects like this one to all corners of the Empire State."

"Infrastructure is what makes it possible for the state and Long Island to flourish both socially and economically," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "With projects like the Main Line Third Track, Grand Central Madison and this new Elmont-UBS Arena station, New York is providing Long Islanders and visitors to the island with a modern, world class, resilient railroad system which will also help reduce traffic congestion."

Construction of the new station comes at zero cost to the LIRR and MTA. Arena developers and New York State partnered to fully finance the estimated $105 million project. Of the total cost, more than 90% was paid by the arena developers with New York State contributing the remainder. The State's contribution is a fraction of the new tax revenue the project is expected to generate. This project shows the transformation that public private partnerships can have on public transportation.

Elmont-UBS Arena station features two 12-car-long, high-level platforms with canopies, USB charging stations, Help Points, security cameras, digital signs with train arrival information, Wi-Fi, and a state-of-the-art snow melting system embedded in the concrete of the platforms to ensure they remain free of snow and ice during winter storms. The new station is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, featuring a wide pedestrian overpass designed to accommodate large crowds and two elevators, one for each platform.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, "UBS Arena has had a schedule filled with huge events since it opened last fall and with both platforms now in service New Yorkers will have direct railroad access to Islanders games, concerts and more other events. Together with completion of the Third Track and opening of service to Grand Central Terminal, this on-time, on-budget Elmont project shows how we are dramatically increasing service, convenience, and options for LIRR customers."

Long Island Rail Road Interim President and Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said, "The MTA has made a massive investment in Long Island's future with mega-projects like the third track on the Main Line, a new LIRR concourse at Penn Station, and a new terminal at Grand Central Madison. Elmont-UBS Arena Station is an example of the great things that can be done by investing in local infrastructure. Having both platforms now open creates a new option for people to get to events at the arena and it will help improve the environment by reducing traffic on local roads."

MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, "This is the first new LIRR station in almost 50 years, delivered on time and under budget. Thanks to innovative construction techniques and dogged project management, we're meeting our promise to have Elmont-UBS Arena station ready for two-way service in advance of the new Islanders season."

Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "Having both westbound and eastbound platforms operational at Elmont-UBS Arena Station will enhance service for Long Islanders and spur economic activity by connecting commuters to businesses in the area and events at UBS Arena. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State will continue to deliver modernized and improved service on railroads and subways that will get New Yorkers moving because economic growth and reliable mass transportation go hand in hand."

Read the full press release here.