NYRA restores LIRR service to Belmont

[NTamm1215]

MTA Long Island Rail Road and The New York Racing Association announced today the restoration of LIRR train service through the summer to Belmont Park, New York's most famous racetrack, including extra service to the 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11. The partnership between the LIRR and NYRA brings regular train service back to racing fans for the start of the Spring-Summer Meet this coming Friday, April 29. The service was eliminated in 2010 as one of a number of service reductions implemented by the LIRR to address the MTA's $900 million budget shortfall.

"This is a unique agreement that brings in new revenue for the LIRR while restoring an important service for customers," said LIRR President Helena E. Williams. "We are grateful that The New York Racing Association has stepped up to bring back a service that the LIRR could no longer afford to provide on our own in the current financial climate. The LIRR has been taking racing fans to Belmont for decades and we hope this new partnership between our organizations will continue for decades to come."

NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Long Island Rail Road to provide daily train service to and from Belmont Park for the upcoming meet. This will allow easy and convenient access for customers in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens that want to enjoy an afternoon of racing at Belmont.”

http://www.nyra.com/belmont/stories/Apr262011.shtml

[pointman]

This is an excellent move on NYRA's part particularly now that OTB's no longer exist in NYC.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by pointman

This is an excellent move on NYRA's part particularly now that OTB's no longer exist in NYC.

Not that it ever really went on here like it does elsewhere but there's been VERY little anti-NYRA chatter since NYCOTB closed. The fact that handle is only down 2.2% while on-track/NYRA Rewards handle is absolutely through the roof is incredible. NYRA is doing a phenomenal job and that should be clear to even the most impartial observer.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Not that it ever really went on here like it does elsewhere but there's been VERY little anti-NYRA chatter since NYCOTB closed. The fact that handle is only down 2.2% while on-track/NYRA Rewards handle is absolutely through the roof is incredible. NYRA is doing a phenomenal job and that should be clear to even the most impartial observer.

The usual suspects here have been weeded out too....

[Many Others]

that's excellent news, congrats to NYRA!

Realize no one has a crystal ball and it says extra trains will be added on Belmont day, but historically does anyone know how *packed* the trains are outbound and returning to Penn Station on the big day??

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by Many Others

that's excellent news, congrats to NYRA!

Realize no one has a crystal ball and it says extra trains will be added on Belmont day, but historically does anyone know how *packed* the trains are outbound and returning to Penn Station on the big day??

I think it all depends on a couple of things. The obvious #1 factor would be if there is a Triple Crown at stake.

[Many Others]

thank you! excellent point and will keep in mind as things progress - if all turns out the way am planning, hope to be on one of the trains, just don't want to be standing on the platform at midnite (!) ...

Originally Posted by MaTH716

I think it all depends on a couple of things. The obvious #1 factor would be if there is a Triple Crown at stake.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Many Others

that's excellent news, congrats to NYRA!

Realize no one has a crystal ball and it says extra trains will be added on Belmont day, but historically does anyone know how *packed* the trains are outbound and returning to Penn Station on the big day??

I go every year. They're packed with or without a TC; what's worse on a TC year is the wait to get on a train after the race. Smarty Jones' year we stood in line for almost two hours after the very last race. Last year, maybe 30 minutes, if even that. Be prepared to stand on the way back.

The trip to the track is crowded, but nothing like the way back. There's always seats and people are still in a good mood so it's fun.

I'm so glad the Belmont Special is running again. Getting to Belmont if you don't have a car is a big pain in the ass otherwise.

[bmont22]

If you don't mind a bit of a walk you can walk to the Floral Park or Queens Village LIRR stations. Trains are less crowded and they run on a set schedule.

[Many Others]

all good info, thank you! a 30 min wait time and standing up for the ride with everyone in a good mood can do no problemo, waiting in line two hours then standing for the ride there might be a baffroom problem , we'll have to revisit this subject after the Derby and the Preakness, is a nice problem to get to think about for once though !

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

I go every year. They're packed with or without a TC; what's worse on a TC year is the wait to get on a train after the race. Smarty Jones' year we stood in line for almost two hours after the very last race. Last year, maybe 30 minutes, if even that. Be prepared to stand on the way back.

The trip to the track is crowded, but nothing like the way back. There's always seats and people are still in a good mood so it's fun.

I'm so glad the Belmont Special is running again. Getting to Belmont if you don't have a car is a big pain in the ass otherwise.