METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NY Governor Invests $150M to Connect MacArthur Airport to LIRR Station

The initiative builds on the Governor’s commitment to the development of a new terminal at MacArthur Airport, further positioning Long Island as a hub for economic growth and innovation.

February 12, 2025
NY Governor Invests $150M to Connect MacArthur Airport to LIRR Station

The project will include a pedestrian walkway linking the airport and LIRR station, redesigned road networks, and upgrades to various infrastructure. 

Photo: LIRR

2 min to read


New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a transformational $150 million investment to connect the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) Ronkonkoma Station with the proposed North Terminal at MacArthur Airport, significantly improving accessibility and enhancing the region’s transportation infrastructure.

The initiative builds on the Governor’s commitment to the development of a new terminal at MacArthur Airport, further positioning Long Island as a hub for economic growth and innovation.

Ad Loading...

“Long Islanders deserve modern, efficient transit systems that make their daily lives easier and fuel local economic growth,” said Gov. Hochul. “By improving transit access, redesigning road networks, and enhancing critical infrastructure, we are unlocking new opportunities for businesses, tourism, and economic development. This $150 million investment will also create good-paying union jobs while transforming how Long Islanders connect to one another, to New York and to the rest of the world.”

Leveraging Funds

The new funding further leverages Gov. Hochul’s 2022 commitment of $40 million for a new North Terminal at MacArthur Airport. 

The project will include a pedestrian walkway linking the airport and LIRR station, redesigned road networks, and upgrades to various infrastructure. These enhancements will improve passenger experience, reduce travel times, and position MacArthur Airport as a key transportation hub for Long Island.

MacArthur Airport has long played a vital role in Suffolk County’s transportation system, evolving from a military airfield in 1942 to being recognized as one of the best small airports in America. This latest investment reaffirms the state’s commitment to improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities in the region.

Connectivity Benefits

By improving connectivity and unlocking the potential of 48 acres of land surrounding the station, the project will drive further development and tourism growth. The investment aligns with the Governor’s broader vision for Long Island, which includes strengthening transit networks, expanding housing access, and fostering job creation.

Ad Loading...

“The LIRR is the fastest, safest and most economical way to travel across Long Island and this project is a unique opportunity to help take more cars off the roads,” said LIRR President Rob Free. “Moving MacArthur’s terminal closer to Ronkonkoma station will encourage people to take the train to the airport. The LIRR is already the best travel experience to JFK and we are ready to help MacArthur Airport grow by bringing that same great travel experience there too.”

More Rail

Passengers on a public transit vehicle.
Railby StaffApril 21, 2026

Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments

The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Read More →
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Managementby StaffApril 21, 2026

USDOT Announces $6.7B for Northeast Corridor, Nationwide Rail Upgrades

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.

Read More →
A picture of a San Diego MTS railcar and bus at a transit station.
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps

The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An overhead rendering of the Austin Transit Partnership rail system.
Railby StaffApril 16, 2026

Austin Transit Partnership Names Contractor for Light Rail Operations Facility

The ATP board’s approval of the KAP team enables ATP to begin pre-construction activities, including advancing design, initiating permitting, and preparing the site for future construction.

Read More →
A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.
Busby StaffApril 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Technologyby StaffApril 15, 2026

Amtrak Advances Plan for New Long-Distance Fleet

The railroad has issued a formal request for proposals to manufacturers for more than 800 new passenger railcars that will serve 14 long-distance routes nationwide.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →
A BART train on the tracks.
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March

BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →