Shuttle Schedule Tweaked
A revised schedule for the East Hampton Village to Springs route of the shuttle service launched last month in conjunction with the expanded Long Island Rail Road service was announced yesterday.
The South Fork Commuter Connection, expanded rail service that began operation on March 4, is intended to alleviate traffic congestion and carbon dioxide emissions.
Under the new schedule, which takes effect on Wednesday, afternoon pickup times at multiple shuttle stops will be between 5 and 15 minutes later than on the original schedule. A release issued by East Hampton Town yesterday said the new schedule would allow more time spent at places of employment and less on the shuttle bus. The Hampton Hopper operates the shuttle service in East Hampton.
Affected stops include the North Main Street and Cedar Street intersection in East Hampton, the Bistrian Gravel Corporation on Springs-Fireplace Road, the Springs School, the intersection of Abraham’s Path and Montauk Highway in Amagansett, East Hampton Town Hall, the route from Gay Road to Main Street and Newtown Lane in East Hampton Village, East Hampton High School on Long Lane, and the East Hampton Middle School on Newtown Lane in the village.
The shuttle is to arrive at the East Hampton L.I.R.R. station at 5:07 p.m. A westbound train leaves the station at 5:14.
Hampton Hopper shuttle buses meet morning trains, which originate in Speonk or Westhampton Beach, at stations in East Hampton to transport passengers to designated stops along routes designed to move commuters to key employment areas. It picks up passengers for transport back to train stations in the afternoon.
The L.I.R.R. will operate on a summer schedule starting on May 24, precluding operation of South Fork Commuter Connection trains on Fridays. Consequently, there will be no bus shuttle service on Fridays.
The $4.25 one-way fare for any travel between Speonk and Montauk includes a ticket to board the shuttle bus. Schedules and detailed information are at the town’s website, ehamptonny.gov, and at sfcclirr.com.
Employers in East Hampton have been encouraged to allow workers flexibility so that they can take advantage of commuter connection service, and to consider organizing their own group transportation for workers to and from the train station.