LIRR strike in effect: How to navigate your commute
Here are the travel details you need to know to get to your destination, including shuttle bus service, accessible travel alternatives and more during the strike.
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The MTA and Long Island Rail Road union workers did not reach a deal early Saturday morning.
LIRR service will shut down entirely.
Union leaders say after two days of around-the-clock negotiations, both parties were unable to reach a deal. They say raises in the fourth year are the sticking point for why they couldn't reach a deal.
Union leaders say picket lines will begin Saturday morning at LIRR stations and workplaces beginning at 7 a.m. at the Ronkonkoma LIRR Station on Hawkins Avenue, as well as the East End Gateway entrance to Penn Station, located at 33rd and 7th Avenue in Manhattan.
See the full news conference on the strike announcement from the unions:
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber released a statement following the strike.
Gov. Kathy Hochul also released a statement following the strike.
Riders should prepare an alternate plan, as the MTA has released a contingency plan.
Here are the travel details you need to know to get to your destination, including shuttle bus service, accessible travel alternatives and more during the strike.
It is advised to check current station alerts on the Long Island Rail Road website.
Work from home if possible
The Long Island Rail Road shutdown will cause severe road congestion and delays to the nearly 300,000 daily passengers.
The MTA is asking riders to avoid nonessential travel and work from home if possible. Those planning to commute should allot for more travel time, no matter what method is taken.
Travel alternatives will be near or at capacity due to an influx of additional riders, MTA officials say.
Shuttle bus alternatives
The MTA will provide limited shuttle bus service on weekdays provided by the MTA for essential workers and people who cannot work remotely.
Buses will run during peak hours toward Manhattan from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and to Long Island from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be six spots to and from locations on Long Island to subway transfer points in Queens.
Bay Shore LIRR Station to Howard Beach-JFK Airport
Hempstead Lake State Park, near Lakeview LIRR Station, to Howard Beach-JFK Airport
Hicksville LIRR Station to Howard Beach-JFK Airport
Huntington LIRR Station to Jamaica-179 St F at Hillside Avenue and 179 Street
Mineola LIRR Station to Howard Beach-JFK Airport
Ronkonkoma LIRR Station to Jamaica-179 St F at Hillside Avenue and 179 Street
Shuttle bus map:
Commute times
MTA’s shuttle‑bus backup plan could add an hour to commutes. News 12's transportation reporter Kevin Vesey did a test run to see how long it took. He drove the Hicksville‑to‑Howard Beach route, then took the A train into Manhattan on Thursday.
The full test run trip to Penn Station clocked in at 1 hour and 50 minutes— roughly an hour longer than the typical 50‑minute LIRR ride.
NICE bus alternatives
Nassau County customers can use NICE buses to connect with Flushing-Main St 7 and the Jamaica Bus Terminal in Queens. See the full NICE bus network map.
NICE bus map:
Passenger drop-off locations
The MTA recommends using the following subway stations as passenger drop-off points. These stations are close to major roadways that lead to and from Long Island. These stations do not have parking lots, so please do not plan to park there.
Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue
Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike
Ozone Park-Lefferts Boulevard
Sheepshead Bay
Woodhaven Boulevard
Accessible travel alternatives
Accessible travel options available on Long Island and in Queens:
Shuttle buses will transport customers from Bay Shore, Hempstead Lake State Park, Hicksville, and Mineola to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A station.
Shuttle buses will transport customers from Huntington and Ronkonkoma to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer EJZ station.
Refund information for monthly ticket holders
The MTA says they are intending to issue prorated refunds to May monthly ticket holders for any business day that service is suspended due to the strike, pending board approval. More details will be provided on how to apply.
