Far Rockaway, Queens – After receiving numerous complaints from Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) commuters racing to make it home for Shabbos, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D – Far Rockaway) is calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to add additional trains to its Friday “sundown” schedule to better accommodate Shabbos observance.

“I appreciate that the MTA made the effort to accommodate our families with its LIRR ‘sundown’ schedule,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “However, the current schedule barely gets commuters home in time for candles, let alone make all their necessary preparations on Erev Shabbos. That’s why it’s so important the MTA expand its ‘sundown’ schedule and ensure our families can properly observe Shabbos.”

In a letter to Long Island Railroad President Patrick Nowakowski, Assemblyman Goldfeder requested the agency add additional Friday afternoon trains to its current schedule. This, Goldfeder wrote, would allow commuters ample time to arrive home before sunset and properly prepare for the Sabbath.

The Assemblyman pointed to the agency’s own policy of implementing schedule changes throughout the year. LIRR makes multiple considerations for various entertainment, shopping and holiday needs, the letter states. In recent weeks, the MTA has announced multiple schedule increases for the Christmas and New Years holidays, including on the Far Rockaway line.

Last month, the MTA announced the return of its “Sundown Service,” which includes one additional eastbound train on Friday afternoons on the Far Rockaway Branch. This extra train, the agency states, is intended for commuters “who must be home before sundown for religious purposes.” The extra trains leave Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn at 3:05 p.m. and Penn Station at 3:07 p.m., connecting at Jamaica to the 3:31 p.m., arriving in Far Rockaway at 4:05 p.m.

However, the Assemblyman’s office recently received numerous concerns from commuters who say the current expanded schedule doesn’t meet their needs. In his letter, the Assemblyman suggested that adding a 2 p.m. train would help provide some relief during the shorter winter days. For Goldfeder, this would be a considerable accommodation for many in the community.

“I appreciate the MTA accommodating the frum community, however this small change to the schedule will go a long way in helping our families better balance their work and home lives,” concluded Goldfeder. “I will continue to work with the MTA to ensure future schedule adjustments are done to best maximize transit options for the Shabbos observant community.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)