Service cuts take effect on Long Island Rail Road

LONG ISLAND The moves are part of the MTA's budget cuts as the cash-strapped agencies tries to close a massive deficit. And riders beware, there are more cuts to come.

The LIRR is cutting eight trains across a number of lines as part of the MTA's solution to its $800 million budget shortfall.

There will be service cuts, layoffs and a variety of other money-saving moves.

Here's what LIRR riders need to know before they head out for their commute.

There will be fewer peak-hour trains on the Babylon, Long Beach, Oyster Bay, Port Jefferson and Port Washington branches. Also, service to Belmont Park is no more, except during the weekend of the Belmont Stakes in June.

And there are more cuts on the horizon. In September, the LIRR will do away with weekend service to West Hempstead and Greenport.