Rushing through crowded streets, New Yorkers rely on the pulse of public transportation to navigate through the city. But as the city’s transit system undergoes major overhauls, the question arises: will these changes deliver the promises of convenience, or will they leave commuters stuck in gridlock?
For Long Islanders, the Long Island Rail Road (L.I.R.R.) has long been the go-to option for a fast, cost-effective way to travel to and from the city. The recent East Side Access project sought to enhance this already crucial system by adding 40 miles of new tracks, constructing a new terminal beneath Grand Central, and modernizing existing lines. The improvements aimed to provide a faster, more efficient service to meet the needs of the region’s growing population.
“Seeing the modernization of the L.I.R.R. makes me hopeful for the future of New York’s transit system,” said junior Samuel DaSilva. “Projects like these show that change might actually be possible.”
The results speak for themselves. Commuters now experience reduced travel times and easier access to the L.I.R.R. In 2024, the L.I.R.R. recorded a remarkable 95.65% on-time performance—one of the best in its history.
However, the project has not been without its challenges. One of the main criticisms has been the delayed timeline. Originally set to be completed in 2014, the project faced multiple delays before its completion in 2023, with some finishing touches still being made today. This huge delay has led many to question the credibility and worth of the project as a whole.
Financially, the project also saw significant cost overruns. What began with an estimated budget of $4.3 billion eventually ballooned to over $11 billion—more than double the initial cost. New Yorkers, already facing inconveniences due to the delays, were left to foot the bill for a project that exceeded its budget considerably. Critics argue that the resources spent on East Side Access would have been better used on other parts of the city’s infrastructure, such as the beleaguered subway system.
Still, for many commuters, the project’s benefits cannot be ignored. The new terminal at Grand Central offers a direct connection to Manhattan’s East Side, significantly reducing travel times for those who previously had to navigate through Penn Station.
“I ride the L.I.R.R. every week, and I can definitely see the new improvements that were done,” said sophomore Momchil Yanchev. “The TrainTime app almost always correctly estimates the train’s arrival, and there are barely any delays.”
By alleviating overcrowding at Penn Station and improving connections to key business districts, the project aims to ease one of the city’s most persistent transportation bottlenecks.
Additionally, modernized tracks and upgraded systems contribute to smoother, more reliable service, enhancing the daily experience for Long Islanders.
Even so, some question whether these advancements are enough to meet the demands of a growing population and evolving urban landscape.
“I think the improvements to the L.I.R.R. are a step in the right direction, but it feels like New York’s transit system still needs a lot more to really fix the bigger issues like the subway,” said freshman Brian Robinson.
With ridership patterns changing post-pandemic and increasing calls for greener, more sustainable transit solutions, critics argue that a single project—no matter how ambitious—cannot address the broader shortcomings of New York’s transit infrastructure.
The improvements to the L.I.R.R., while a step forward, must be part of a larger, more cohesive strategy to ensure the city’s transit system is prepared for the future.
On Jan. 10, critics were partially proven right when Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated the new L.I.R.R. by posting pictures of herself aboard the upgraded train and encouraging New Yorkers to take advantage of the improvements. Hochul, however, conveniently omitted one detail: while promoting the L.I.R.R., her car was en route to pick her up in Syosset, driving her to Manhattan for her other engagements.
This hypocrisy did not go unnoticed by the public, with many seeing it as a contradiction that undermined Hochul’s message. Her refusal to use the L.I.R.R., despite her public praise of it, led some to question whether the improvements were as effective as advertised.
“I didn’t even notice the difference in the L.I.R.R. and had no idea about the project,” said sophomore Warren Harilal.
As New York pushes forward with ambitious transportation reforms, the true measure of success will not be found in shiny new terminals or tolls, but in how these changes address the city’s long-standing challenges.
The East Side Access project and congestion pricing may promise a cleaner, more efficient future, but their effectiveness hinges on whether they genuinely improve daily life or simply add to the frustrations New Yorkers already face. The real test will be in delivering lasting, practical solutions that go beyond plans and promises.
