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