Long Island Rail Road makes history with opening of East Side terminal

I participated in a history-making trip yesterday as one of the passengers aboard the first Long Island Rail Road train to serve the new Grand Central Madison (GCM) terminal. Located 180 feet below street level,  Grand Central Madison is an eight-track railroad station on Manhattan’s East Side that connects to Grand Central Terminal, the 110-year old landmark station used by Metro North Railroad.

GCM will be a huge benefit for Long Island commuters who work on the East Side and now come to the city through Penn Station. They will no longer have to take the subway to get to and from work, saving time – and money. As someone who worked on the East Side for more than 15 years I can attest to the project’s value.

The project, known as East Side Access, was first proposed in the 1950s. Construction didn’t begin until 2007 and it took 15 years and $11.1 billion to finish the job. For now, the LIRR is running shuttle trains between the new station and its hub at Jamaica. This soft opening is a sound move since this is a complex facility and commuters need to adjust to their new environment.

The first shuttle train, consisting of 12 M-9 cars, departed Jamaica on time at 10:45 a.m. and arrived at GCM on the advertised at 11:07. Beside me, it carried New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, MTA CEO Janno Lieber, LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi, and a full load of commuters, travelers, shoppers, railfans, railroad workers, and working press.

The announcement that this train was the first to go to Grand Central brought cheers from passengers. Soon after a recorded message was heard: “This is the train to Grand Central. The next station is Grand Central.”

The trip went swiftly and smoothly. Around 14 minutes after we left Jamaica the train ducked into the tunnel that connects the LIRR mainline to the new station. Moments later the train banked left and began the final approach. “This station is Grand Central,” the computer generated recording announced moments later. We had arrived.

The new station is a refreshing change from the dreariness of Penn Station, especially on the Long Island side. The walls in the platform area are white and the floors are terrazzo – shiny and new. This scheme is used throughout. Murals adorn the walls at several locations. Inevitably this sheen will wear away from dust, foot traffic, and other sources, but enjoy it for now.

Trains arrives and depart from four platforms on two levels with a mezzanine level between them. Here you are 180 feet below the streets of Manhattan. From the mezzanine, 16 escalators bring passengers to the concourse in one minute and 38 seconds. The concourse runs below Vanderbilt Avenues between 43^rd Street and 48^th Street. It houses restrooms, a ticket office, customer service desk, and stores.

When I got off the escalator, the governor and MTA brass were conducting a press conference. MTA and LIRR employees were handing out swag including golf caps, badges, stickers, and commemorative golden tickets.

After a few minutes of walking around and taking photos I went up to Grand Central Terminal’s Lower Level. Then I walked up the ramp past the Whispering Gallery and Oyster Bar to reach the Upper Level. GCT’s restaurants and market stores are now just a train ride away.

Grand Central Madison’s arches and signage evoke the look and feel of its older sister. However, finding the entrances to the new station is not easy, and the ceiling height is more in keeping with the cramped corridors of Penn Station. Also, train departure times and track assignments for both railroads should be posted throughout the two stations to help passengers find their trains.

These are nits, however. The new station’s benefits far outweigh any shortcomings. Not only will it make it easier – and quicker – for Long Island commuters to travel to and from work, but it will facilitate many additional travel opportunities.

Now, Yankee fans will be able to take one subway from GCM to the Stadium instead of changing trains in Harlem. Art lovers could hop on a train or bus to get to the Met or MOMA. Business travelers will be able to travel easily between of communities served by Metro North or the LIRR. East Siders will now be able to take the LIRR to Jamaica and ride the AirTrain to JFK Airport.  This is what a regional transport network is supposed to look like – seamless connections between different routes and modes.

I boarded the first train back to Jamaica, which was scheduled to depart at 11:59 am but left two minutes late. Less than an hour later I was back in Oceanside.

I have participated in several railroading “firsts:” Acela Express to Boston, Second Avenue Subway, Moynihan Train Hall, and Reading & Northern steam locomotive 2102’s first excursion after rebuilding. This tops them all. It was one of the biggest infrastructure projects in history and it will make travel easier for commuters and other riders for decades to come. East Side Access may have run 14 years behind schedule but it has brought us into the future.