Far Rockaway Branch

Far Rockaway Branch is a rail line and service owned and operated by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in Queens, New York City. The branch connects Valley Stream to Far Rockaway, with a total of 13 stations, including major stops at Jamaica Station and Locust Manor. The Far Rockaway Branch is a vital transportation link for residents of southeastern Queens, providing access to Manhattan via the LIRR's Penn Station and connections to other New York City Subway lines, such as the A train (New York City Subway) and the E train (New York City Subway).

Introduction

The Far Rockaway Branch is a commuter rail line that plays a crucial role in the transportation network of New York City, with connections to other LIRR branches, including the Babylon Branch and the West Hempstead Branch. The branch is operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which also oversees the New York City Subway and other regional transportation systems, such as the Metro-North Railroad and the Staten Island Railway. The Far Rockaway Branch is used by thousands of commuters daily, with many passengers transferring to other LIRR lines or the New York City Subway at Jamaica Station, a major transportation hub that also serves the AirTrain JFK and the E train (New York City Subway).

History

The Far Rockaway Branch has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when it was built by the South Side Railroad of Long Island (SSRLI), a predecessor to the Long Island Rail Road. The branch was originally designed to connect Valley Stream to Far Rockaway, with stops at various communities along the way, including Lynbrook, Rockaway Park, and Broad Channel. Over the years, the branch has undergone significant changes, including the electrification of the line in the early 20th century and the construction of new stations, such as Locust Manor and Hollis. The Far Rockaway Branch has also been affected by major events, such as the 1938 New England hurricane and the 1970s New York City fiscal crisis, which impacted the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Long Island Rail Road.

Route Description

The Far Rockaway Branch begins at Valley Stream and runs southeast through Queens, passing through communities such as Lynbrook, Jamaica, and South Ozone Park. The branch then continues to Far Rockaway, with stops at various stations along the way, including Locust Manor, Hollis, and St. Albans. The Far Rockaway Branch is a relatively short line, with a total length of approximately 10 miles, but it plays a critical role in the transportation network of New York City, providing connections to other LIRR lines, such as the Babylon Branch and the Port Washington Branch, as well as the New York City Subway and other regional transportation systems, such as the Metro-North Railroad and the Staten Island Railway.

Stations

The Far Rockaway Branch has a total of 13 stations, including major stops at Jamaica Station and Locust Manor. Other stations on the branch include Valley Stream, Lynbrook, St. Albans, Hollis, and Far Rockaway. Many of these stations are also served by other LIRR lines, such as the Babylon Branch and the West Hempstead Branch, and some are connected to the New York City Subway, including the A train (New York City Subway) and the E train (New York City Subway) at Jamaica Station. The Far Rockaway Branch also has connections to other regional transportation systems, such as the AirTrain JFK and the Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus system.

Service Patterns

The Far Rockaway Branch has a regular schedule, with trains running frequently throughout the day, including rush hour and off-peak periods. The branch is served by the Long Island Rail Road's Far Rockaway Branch (LIRR service), which provides connections to other LIRR lines, such as the Babylon Branch and the Port Washington Branch, as well as the New York City Subway and other regional transportation systems, such as the Metro-North Railroad and the Staten Island Railway. The Far Rockaway Branch is also used by thousands of commuters daily, with many passengers transferring to other LIRR lines or the New York City Subway at Jamaica Station, a major transportation hub that also serves the AirTrain JFK and the E train (New York City Subway). The branch is operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which also oversees the New York City Subway and other regional transportation systems, including the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and the New York City Department of Transportation. Category:Long Island Rail Road