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LIRR Says Service Back To Normal Following Signal Problems

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It was comparatively smooth sailing for commuters Friday morning following the severe weather that impacted our area and caused major service disruptions on the Long Island Rail Road Thursday night.

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The MTA announced said service was back to near-normal levels.

LISTEN: 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports 

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Service Thursday night was disrupted due to weather-related signal trouble in Jamaica. Ten out of the LIRR's eleven lines went off-line.

Thousands of people waited for trains that either never came or came to halt in between stations.

"I stood on the train for about three hours," said Jay Beckerman from Massapequa. "They turned off the air conditioning after a while because a couple of people jumped off the train and they had to turn the third rail off so they didn't' get electrocuted because they just got tired of waiting."

This isn't the first weather related service disruption along the LIRR. Another lightning strike tested the railroad's aging infrastructure in August.

Still, many commuters say they don't feel like the LIRR is holding up its end of the bargain.

WCBS 880's Sean Adams with LIRR Spokesman Joe Calderone

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"I know it was technical difficulties due to the storm, but the LIRR charges a lot, so I kind of expect certain things to be upheld as far as transport and stuff," said Jade Weeks Baldwin.

Speaking with 1010 WINS Thursday afternoon, LIRR spokesman Sam Zambuto said the trouble was caused by a "lightning strike that greatly affected the signal system."

LIRR spokesman Joe Calderone told WCBS 880 that the system took a direct hit and a full investigation will be conducted.

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