Long Island commuters and travelers may soon have a new, more convenient option for reaching major cities like Washington, D.C., and Boston without the need for a transfer at Penn Station.
Amtrak is exploring the possibility of extending its service to the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) Ronkonkoma Station, a move that could significantly enhance regional transportation and provide new economic opportunities for Suffolk County.
Currently, Long Island residents looking to travel via Amtrak must take the LIRR to Penn Station and transfer to an Amtrak train, adding time and inconvenience to their journeys. Bringing direct Amtrak service to Ronkonkoma would eliminate that extra step, allowing for a seamless travel experience from Long Island to the Northeast Corridor’s major destinations. This proposal has drawn strong support from local leaders, including Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip), who see this as a game-changer for Long Island transportation.
If Amtrak service were extended to Ronkonkoma, it would further solidify the station’s status as a key transit hub. Ronkonkoma Station already serves as a crucial point on the LIRR, particularly for commuters traveling to New York City. Additionally, its proximity to Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) makes it an ideal location for expanded rail service, potentially increasing connectivity between air and rail travel in the region.
Executive Romaine expressed enthusiasm about the potential expansion.
“Ronkonkoma is going to become a transportation hub,” said Romaine. Supervisor Carpenter echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the impact on local transportation; however, the Islip Town Board voted against allocating $872,000 towards the project.
“Amtrak is working in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Administration and MTA Long Island Railroad to study the extension of Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service to Ronkonkoma,” Amtrak said in a statement. “The first step of this multi-step process, the Service Development Plan (SDP), will begin this year. Once the SDP is complete, we will have a better understanding of the feasibility costs and timeline for potential implementation.”
One of the most significant benefits of this proposal is the potential for improved transportation to and from Long Island MacArthur Airport. A direct Amtrak connection at Ronkonkoma could lead to the introduction of shuttle services between the station and the airport, making it easier for travelers to fly in and out of Long Island without needing to go through New York City.
MacArthur Airport has long been seeking ways to increase passenger volume and expand its reach. An Amtrak stop in Ronkonkoma could serve as a catalyst for more domestic and possibly even international flights in the future by making the airport more accessible to travelers from across the Northeast.
While the prospect of Amtrak service at Ronkonkoma is promising, several logistical and financial hurdles need to be addressed before it can become a reality. Key considerations include infrastructure upgrades, track capacity, and funding allocations. Additionally, coordination between Amtrak, the MTA, and local municipalities will be necessary to ensure the project moves forward efficiently.
Despite these challenges, local officials remain optimistic about the proposal’s future. Community support will also play a crucial role in advancing the project, as public demand can help prioritize funding and planning efforts.
For now, Suffolk County and Town of Islip officials continue discussions with Amtrak and transportation authorities to assess feasibility and potential timelines.
