Rockaway Peninsula, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato sent a letter to MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber requesting the continued operation of the shuttle train service between Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street and Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue stations. During rehabilitation upgrades on the A line, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato worked with the MTA to enact a temporary measure that would allow the shuttle train to run across the Rockaway Peninsula. Currently, there is no direct subway line from one end of the Peninsula to the other.

The pilot program, which ran from January to this week, has provided Rockaway residents with a reliable and convenient transit option that connects the eastern and western ends of the Peninsula. “This shuttle train has made it easier for residents to get to work, school, and appointments without the long detours or complex transfers we had to use. Our community needs more efficient transit options, and this temporary service proved to be an incredibly helpful improvement,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.

Local schools have reported to the Assemblywoman’s office that the shuttle has made a noticeable difference for students and their families. Commutes became more predictable and less stressful, allowing students to arrive on time and ready to learn. The Assemblywoman noted that she has heard “directly from schools and families that say this shuttle has improved daily routines. That’s the kind of common-sense service we need to keep in place. That is why I am urging the MTA to consider continuing the shuttle permanently, or to explore an extended pilot period to evaluate its ongoing benefit to the community.”