The A subway line is once again rolling to Howard Beach, Queens, as the first train came into the station shortly before 8 a.m. Sunday.

From Howard Beach, riders can take a free shuttle bus from Howard Beach to Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.

Straphangers said they were happy to have this important lifeline restored.

"We're happier now, because before it was too much of a hassle for us, and it's much easier now that they're back to normal," said one commuter.

"Usually, I take the bus from Far Rockaway to Jamaica, and the E train all the way down to the World Trade Center. That takes me about three hours round-trip," said another commuter. "This takes me an hour, so it cuts two hours off my commuting time."

"It's been very difficult for us to ride all the way to Jamaica Center, every time we have to go do something, you know? So this is more convenient, more direct," said a third.

Officials at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it could take up to six months to fully restore subway service to the Rockaways.

The bridge that carries the line over Jamaica Bay was wiped out by Sandy.

Starting Monday morning, ferry service will also be offered for Rockaway residents. It will run during the morning and evening rush hours from Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive to Pier 11, with free transfers to East 34th Street in Midtown.

The fare is $2 each way.

Meanwhile, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that the Hugh L. Carey-Brooklyn Battery Tunnel will be open Monday to limited rush-hour bus service. The passageway between Manhattan and Brooklyn is the last city tunnel to reopen after being flooded by Sandy.

The L train began running into Manhattan Thursday when service under the East River was finally restored.

Continued lingering transit gaps include 1 trains south of Chambers Street.

PATH train riders are getting additional service, as service between Manhattan and Newark/Penn and Harrison stations in New Jersey resumes Monday morning.

Trains will start rolling out at 5 a.m. and will run in both directions until 10 p.m.

The line will include stops at the Journal Square, Grove Street, and Newport stations and at the 14th, 23rd and 33rd Street stations in Manhattan.

Officials warn that commuters could face extended wait times.

PATH service remains suspended at the Hoboken, Exchange Place and World Trade Center stations.

For the latest transit updates, visit mta.info.