This report was prepared by Alfonso Castillo of Newsday and has not been edited or modified in any way.

Governor Hochul arrived on the east end of the platform at Track 1 around 10:42 am, just before the train was set to depart.

Various dignitaries were already on board, including LIRR interim president Catherine Rinaldi.

Hochul boarded the train with MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, who introduced her to several project officials. Hochul said to one person, “This is government at its best—six decades later.”

The automated announcement came on: “This is the train to Grand Central. Stand clear of closing doors.” The train pulled away at 10:46 am.

Hochul was seated next to Lieber and across from Rinaldi and capital construction president Jamie Torres-Springer.

Throughout the ride, they discussed various MTA issues, with Lieber doing much of the talking and Hochul listening.

They discussed the plan to offer reduced LIRR fares for riders in NYC.

They discussed why they are initially operating only shuttle service to Grand Central.

Lieber talked about various “complexities” in the way of starting full service.

“We didn’t want to cancel a bunch of Penn Station trains," he said. 

The conductor announced that all riders would receive a commemorative “golden ticket” upon their arrival at GCT.

Lieber joked, “It’s like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

The train sunk into the tunnel at 11:01 am. 

Asked by a reporter how she felt riding the train, Hochul said, “It’s exciting.” She said the time saved commuting was “precious” and “transformative.”

“It’s emotional. It’s triumphant, because people have been wishing for this moment for generations,” Lieber said.

The train arrived on time at 11:07. The conductor announced, “Welcome to the East Side of Manhattan.”

The train emptied, with Hochul and Lieber being the last to leave.