Long Island Rail Road riders have a much better chance at getting a seat today.

The rail road is running full morning and evening rush hour service for the first time since Sandy.

Amtrak has restored the signal system in one of its two flood-damaged East River tunnels.
That means they can run the trains closer together -- which means they can run more of them.

Long Island Rail Road had been running at about 70 percent capacity during rush hours since the storm, which has led to severe overcrowding.

Governor Andrew Cuomo says the second tunnel signal system is set to be tested next weekend

If all goes well, full service is expected to be restored by Christmas.

Meantime, drivers who take the Hugh Carey-Brooklyn Battery Tunnel will also have an easier commute.

The regular traffic pattern is in effect with three lanes heading into Manhattan during the morning rush.

Both tubes re-opened on November 19, but the traffic pattern has been restricted because of damage to the signal system.

The storm damaged the tunnel's lighting, communication, and ventilation systems.