Westbound LIRR Service a 'Game-Changer' for Islanders, UBS Arena

Two-way train service will be available at the Elmont-UBS Arena station for New York Islanders games and UBS Arena events, the Long Island Rail Road announced on Thursday.
Starting today, westbound service will be available at the Elmont-UBS Arena station on Isles game days and UBS Arena event days via select trains on the Huntington and Ronkonkoma branches. Shuttle bus service to and from Queens Village has ceased with the opening of the westbound platform.

Full-time service at the station will be available upon the completion of the Grand Central-Madison terminal, which is scheduled for the end of the year
"The start of two-way service here in time for hockey season is a big deal for Islanders fans," Jamie Torres-Springer, President, MTA Construction & Development, said. "It's maybe not on par with the re-signing of Mat Barzal, but it's as close as we'll get at the MTA. So it's an exciting day. This is the Long Island Railroad's first new station in half a century and it has all the things that riders should expect from a railroad station."

The start of two-way service marks another milestone for the Islanders and UBS Arena, as it'll increase transportation options for fans to and from games. The Elmont-UBS Arena station is on the LIRR's main line, meaning it can be accessed via the Hempstead, Hicksville and Ronkonkoma train lines, without having to change at Jamaica.
"Fans who live east of Belmont now have a one seat ride to watch the Islanders," Catherine Rinaldi, President, MTA Metro-North Railroad, and Interim President, Long Island Rail Road, said. "It'll save time and reduce congestion around the arena and those traveling from the city now have the benefit of direct return service home."
Westbound service will also streamline fans' exit from Belmont Park. Previously, fans traveling westbound after games and events had to take a shuttle bus to the Queens Village station, adding an extra layer of travel on their journey home. Shuttle buses will also be available for fans traveling to the Elmont-UBS Arena station who do not wish to take the half-mile walk.
Increased LIRR ridership should also help alleviate the congestion to and from games, as well as give fans increased options during days with inclement weather.

"This new station is expected to reduce the number of drivers and the traffic congestion by providing the public transportation option," Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado said. "[It] will enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers, revitalize local communities and strengthen the overall economy of this region."
Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky was on hand for Thursday's announcement, joking that Sparky the Dragon that he'd no longer need to fly to games. On a more serious note, Ledecky reflected on what a functional two-way train station would mean for Islanders fans, but especially the ones in New York City limits.
"We've got a lot of fans in Metro New York. We've got a lot of fans in New York City. It's been a pain point sometimes for them to get out here," Ledecky said. "But now they have the ability to go from either Penn Station or Grand Central Madison station in 30 minutes directly to the game. Thirty minutes. Think about that in terms of what game changer that means for this arena for our County, the City of New York."

NEED TO KNOW:

Two-way service is now available at Elmont-UBS Arena station on Islanders game days and UBS Arena event days via select trains on the Huntington and Ronkonkoma branches.
Starting on October 31, westbound Hempstead Branch trains will also stop at the station on event days. When LIRR service to Grand Central begins at the end of this year, it will become a full-time station on the Hempstead Branch with service 365 days a year.
Now that the westbound platform at Elmont-UBS Arena is open, shuttle buses will no longer run between the arena and Queens Village. Do not get off at Queens Village if you are trying to reach the arena.
All eastbound Hempstead Branch trains, and select trains in both directions on the Huntington and Ronkonkoma Branches will add stops at Elmont-UBS Arena when there are events.
For more information, consult the LIRR Train Time App, or the Islanders and UBS Arena Transportation pages.