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1. Does the SFCC provide Paratransit Service

South Fork Commuter Connection Paratransit Service

The South Fork Commuter Connection (SFCC) is a coordinated, intermodal transportation service in which transit users ride the Long Island Railroad and then transfer to a Town provided shuttle bus.

This service is designed to bring workers from one of three LIRR stations west of the Shinnecock Canal to one of the LIRR stations east of the canal on weekday mornings.  The Town provided shuttles will take these train riders to local places of employment in the morning; and the process is reversed in the afternoon, bringing trains users back to the stations via shuttle buses to board one of two westbound return trips.

The Long Island Railroad operates the train portion of the service.  The Towns of East Hampton and Southampton will operate the connecting shuttle bus service which link to the train stations in their Town.  These shuttles are for use by those who purchase a train ticket, ride the train and retain an LIRR ticket stub as a voucher for using the bus shuttle.

Those who utilize the train portion of this intermodal service, but cannot utilize the shuttle bus portion due to a disability or impairment related condition, are eligible to receive paratransit services in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Suffolk County Transit, which operates public bus service throughout the County and is the designated transit agency for Suffolk County, can provide paratransit service through its existing Suffolk County Accessible Transportation (SCAT) program.

SFCC related paratransit service between the train stations and the local employment centers would be for train arrivals and departures linked to the local shuttle bus services available at the stations east of the Shinnecock Canal.  The users trip would originate at the train station in conjunction with the morning east bound train arrivals; and the users’ return destination would be the train station, in conjunction with an afternoon westbound departing train.  (Paratransit services not related to the South Fork Commuter Connection intermodal service are also available through the Suffolk County Transit SCAT program.)

Eligibility for paratransit must be established prior to use, so enrollment in the SCAT program or comparable ADA paratransit service is required before service may be requested through the Suffolk County Accessible Transportation service system.  Suffolk County Accessible Transportation (SCAT) ID cards are required for Suffolk County residents to utilize this paratransit service.  Please see the link below for complete information on the SCAT application and reservations process.

https://www.sct-bus.org/scat.html

Any individual who does not qualify for SCAT services, but is planning to use the SFCC train & bus service and is in need of a wheel chair lift equipped vehicle to get from or to the train station, should contact Hampton Hopper @ 631-259-7076 no later than 2PM the day before they plan to travel. 

The days and times of service are compatible with the limited SFCC shuttle service schedule:

• Monday through Friday, approximately 6:30AM-10:00AM and 2:30PM-5:30PM.  There is no service on major holidays and Fridays in the summer.

Payment for paratransit rides.  The rider should give the paratransit vehicle driver the shuttle bus ticket they receive as part of their LIRR ticket for payment. 

2. Can I buy multiple tickets?

Package Ticket Includes:

• One-way rail ticket
• Voucher for SFCC bus
• Adult price is $4.25 for each package

SFCC package tickets are available for sale from Bellport to Montauk at LIRR stations with open ticket windows and full service (gray/blue colors) ticket vending machines (TVM’s) – package tickets are not sold through eTix, MTA’s mobile ticket App. To purchase tickets from TVM’s, select “Deals & Getaways” on the main screen, then “Long Island Getaways” followed by selecting “South Fork Commuter Connection.”  You will be asked to choose your departing station only. Since SFCCpackage tickets are valid for travel between Bellport and Montauk, the TVM’s will default to Montauk as the destination station.

Customers are encouraged to purchase two packages at the same time to use one rail/bus combo for the return trip. Tickets are valid for 60 days from the date of sale and each combo package is refundable for 60 days from date of sale (subject to a $10 refund processing fee per transaction, including multiple ticket purchased together in one transaction). Customers can purchase multiple tickets each time. A maximum of 24 tickets can be purchased in a 24hr period by credit card, while there is no ticket limit when paying with cash.

The LIRR has offered to provide employers with tickets in bulk that can be packaged into ticket books for sale/distribution to their employees. For more information on how this can be arranged, please call 631-702-1753.

3. My normal work schedule or work location does not align with the train & bus services offered. What can I do?

Employers and employees all over the South Fork have varying work schedules and work out of a variety of locations. The Towns can help provide guidance on how to arrange ‘flex hour’ schedules for employees and discuss options on employer involved local job site transportation ideas.

The 511NY Rideshare Team (GRP)

The GRP serves as a back-up plan for regular ridesharing members who miss their carpool, vanpool or public transit option from work due to an unexpected emergency. During these unexpected situations, 511NY Rideshare will cover the cost of a taxi from work for members who commute sustainably three or more times per week.

Questions? Email Lainey Benson, Local GRP Administrator, at lbenson@511nyrideshare.org

4. What happens if there is bad weather?

Service disruptions could possibly occur under extreme weather situations such as severe snowstorms or other major events.  The LIRR and the Towns will be proactive in providing advance notice of any expected changes in service through local media as well as electronic/social media.

5. How do I get timely updated information about the South Fork Commuter Connection Service?

The LIRR and the Towns will provide notice of any service changes via our websites and social media.  We encourage anyone who uses, or may use these services to sign up for information updates via these outlets: Sign up for NOTIFY ME SFCC-News and notification on the East Hampton website and download the "LIRR Trian Time app".

6. Can I use the South Fork Commuter Connection bus shuttle if I take a different train other than the SFCC schedule?

No, bus shuttle vouchers can only be purchased with SFCC tickets and cannot be purchased separately. The shuttle is available only for connecting trains (please check posted SFCC schedules).”

7. Can I use the South Fork Commuter connection ticket on LIRR trips that are not designated as SFCC trips?

The ticket you purchase is valid on any LIRR trip, however connecting shuttle bus services are only available on the SFCC designated trips.

8. Can I bring a bicycle on the train?

Bicycle Policy Information

LIRR Bicycle Permit