Full rush-hour service returns on LIRR Monday

For the first time since Hurricane Sandy hit the area six weeks ago Long Island Railroad commuters have regular rush hour service restored. 

More rush hour Long Island Rail Road trains are on the way and that's good news for riders who have felt the squeeze the past six weeks. 

"It's crowded, no seats on the train, I'm standing up with heavy bags," said one commuter. 

"I'll be forced to stand up most of the time I'm coming and going," added another. 

It's been a rocky month and a half for Long Island Rail Road since Sandy wreaked havoc on its tracks and flooded two of four East River tunnels. 

The massive flooding, seen in security camera footage, forced the MTA to cut back on peak hour service. 

"Two of four tunnels were under water, signal cases that control the train traffic were completely destroyed they had to be rebuilt," said Joe Caldarone of the LIRR. 

But now after weeks of round the clock repairs, the tunnels have been drained and repaired, and all weekday service will finally be restored to what it was per-Sandy. 

"Whatever trains you were using prior to the storm just about six weeks ago for rush hour period, you can now go back to using regular AM and PM trains," added Calderone. 

"I think it's great news – yeah sure," said one LIRR rider. 

"I hope it's going to be better, I hope it's going to be cleared up and I hope everybody's going to get to ride on the train and get seats on the train," added one hopeful commuter.