Starting May 28, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train service from Penn Station
directly into Belmont Park will be restored, pending Metropolitan Transit
Authority (MTA) Board approval on May 27. The “Belmont Special” had been
eliminated as part of a series of budget cuts and proposed fare hikes by the MTA,
parent agency of the LIRR.
“This is great news for the many people who rely on the LIRR to get to
Belmont Park,” said Hal Handel, executive vice president and chief operating
officer for the New York Racing Association (NYRA) “We would like to thank the
MTA for recognizing the historical significance of the ‘Belmont Special’ and its
importance to New York racing fans.”
Existing fares for the train service will remain in effect through June 17,
when one-way and round-trip fares purchased at Penn Station, Brooklyn, Woodside
and Jamaica will increase by $1. Fares from Long Island with a transfer at
Jamaica will also increase.
“We’re delighted to be able to restore this service,” said LIRR President
Helena Williams. “The LIRR has provided train service to Belmont since 1905.
Especially on Belmont Stakes Day, the LIRR is the best way to get to this
beautiful park.”
Extra train service for the $1 million Belmont S. (G1) on June 6, will be
provided, with 18 trains scheduled, beginning at 9:59 a.m. (EDT). Westbound
service will commence at 4:06 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m.
Since opening day at Belmont Park on April 29, NYRA had been providing free
shuttle bus service between the track and the Queens Village station of the Long
Island Rail for its patrons affected by the suspension of the train service.
Belmont Park’s spring/summer meet runs through July 26. After train service
resumes, racing will be held on a Wednesday through Sunday basis, with the
exception of June 7.