Ronkonkoma Branch

The Ronkonkoma Branch (a.k.a. the Greenport Branch east of Ronkonkoma) is a rail service operated by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in the U.S. state of New York. LIRR maps and printed schedules show the Ronkonkoma Branch extending along the railroad's Main Line from Hicksville (where the Port Jefferson Branch leaves the Main Line) east to the line's terminus at Greenport.[1] However, the railroad's online schedules indicate that the Ronkonkoma Branch travels only between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma,[2] while the Greenport Branch connects Ronkonkoma to Greenport.[3] East of Bethpage, the Central Branch splits from the Main Line and travels south, taking several trains between the Main Line and the Montauk Branch at Babylon.

Electrified service, which was extended from Hicksville to Ronkonkoma in 1987,[4] ends at the enormous Ronkonkoma station. Two connecting Greenport Branch diesel-electric trains travel daily between Ronkonkoma and Greenport. Two additional diesel-electric trains serve some intermediate Greenport Branch stations in each direction on weekdays, but do not serve Greenport itself.

As part of the capital plan they are thinking of constructing a full second electrified track from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma to ease congestion at Deer Park, Brentwood, and Central Islip. A rumor says they may electrify further east due to plans to construct a new electrified yard in Yaphank and could go all the way to Riverhead.

The LIRR has tried to discontinue service east of Ronkonkoma on several occasions, citing minimal service (three trains daily) due to low ridership. New York State has declined this request each time, as Long Island's population continues to grow eastward. As a result of financial difficulties, the very same idea is now being considered once more by the LIRR. Summer weekend service would be retained under the plan.[5]

Service on this branch stops at Mineola during the weekdays only.