The MTA is pulling all the stops for the Dalai Lama’s Thursday morning visit to the UBS Arena, located just east of New York City.
Several Huntington, Ronkonkoma and Hempstead morning trains on the Long Island Rail Road will add stops in either direction at Elmont-UBS Arena and/or Woodside for those traveling to the venue in Belmont Park. The additional stops will lead to delays for commuters traveling along the Main Line, including Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson, Hempstead and Oyster Bay.
The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader was staying at a New York City hotel last month after undergoing knee replacement surgery, according to statements from his representatives. He spent some time recovering in Syracuse after the surgery.
Between 6:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., 21 trains traveling along the Main Line will add stops at Elmont-UBS Arena and/or Woodside. According to the MTA, the schedule will change as follows:
- Nine eastbound trains will add a stop at Elmont-UBS Arena.
- Five westbound trains will add a stop at Elmont-UBS Arena.
- One eastbound train will add a stop at Woodside.
- Two eastbound trains will add a stop at both Woodside and Elmont-UBS Arena.
- Four westbound trains will add a stop at both Woodside and Elmont-UBS Arena.
The Dalai Lama is scheduled to appear at the UBS arena at 9 a.m., according to Ticketmaster.
The Dalai Lama has visited New York City and its surrounding area many times in the past, including during a four-day tour in 2010 that included stops at Radio City Music Hall and Hunter College.