New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, REF-Sag Harbor) today announced that the 2019-2020 enacted State Budget contains an additional $500,000 for bus shuttle service in connection with the establishment of the South Fork Commuter Connection. This builds on the successful $500,000 add to the 2018 State Budget for “Last Mile” transportation as part of the South Fork Commuter Connection funding to start this project. This means that there will be a total of $1 million for the bus shuttle component of the new service for the 2019-2020 State Fiscal Year, which will be used to provide commuter bus service between the Speonk and Montauk stations on the Montauk branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

Thiele has lobbied the LIRR for the expansion of service for commuters to the South Fork since he was Southampton Town Supervisor. In 2018, the LIRR agreed to provide four new trains to institute the service, which launched on March 4, and includes two new eastbound trains on the South Fork during the morning rush and two returning westbound trains during the afternoon rush period. The train service now serves as a commuting alternative to the oppressive and increasing traffic congestion on County Road 39 and Montauk Highway.

Utilizing these state funds, the Towns of East Hampton and Southampton will provide commuters with bus shuttle service from the LIRR stations to their jobs in the morning and return service from work back to the train stations at the end of the day.

Thiele stated, “The final approval of state funding for ‘last mile’ connections brings commuter rail service for South Fork workers closer to reality. The benefits are substantial. The plan will reduce traffic congestion to the South Fork, including the adverse impacts from automobile congestion on the environment. The service will also make it easier for South Fork businesses to recruit and retain employees by providing an alternative, faster, and less stressful commute to the South Fork.”