LIRR air conditioned waiting rooms will open 24/7 in hot weather

NEW YORK (PIX11) – The Long Island Rail Road and Metro North’s air conditioned waiting rooms will remain open longer as the tri-state area prepares for dangerous heat this week, MTA Chair Janno Lieber announced Monday. 

LIRR waiting rooms will be open 24/7 through Wednesday evening and Metro-North waiting rooms will have extended hours, some staying open 24/7. 

Temperatures are expected to be near and potentially climb above 100 degrees in the tri-state area this week, with the heat peaking Tuesday. On Long Island, the high for Tuesday is 96 degrees with mostly sunny skies. 

In New York City, some 99% of subway cars have functioning AC, and they’re all inspected when they leave and return to the yard, according to Lieber. The MTA will increase heat patrols and track inspections during the high heat, which can affect track alignment, Lieber said. 

Crews will ensure all machinery is working properly and arm subway cars with emergency equipment. 

Access-A-Ride systems will also have working air conditioning. 

“This heat is not normal, we've said it over and over again, climate change is here and is real, and it is a clear and present danger. As I said before, a heatwave can be deadly and life-threatening if you are not prepared,” Mayor Eric Adams said Monday.