New York transit officials announced that Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service is suspended due to a worker strike and alternative travel arrangements for commuters are in place, but cannot fully accommodate all passengers. The strike began on Saturday, affecting daily routines of commuters who depend heavily on the LIRR.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) implemented free shuttle bus services starting Monday morning. These buses operate from six locations in Long Island to two subway stations in Queens, and reverse during evening hours. Bus pick-up points include Bay Shore, Hicksville, Mineola LIRR stations, and Hempstead Lake State Park near the Lakeview station. Riders are transported to the A train at Howard Beach-JFK Airport.
Additionally, buses from Huntington and Ronkonkoma connect commuters to the F train at Jamaica-179 Street. Morning buses are scheduled every 10 minutes between 4:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., while afternoon shuttles run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a limited service in non-peak directions at Suffolk County stations.
In Nassau County, regular Nassau County bus services (NICE) guide riders to the No. 7 train in Flushing or to the Jamaica Bus Terminal for the F train. However, there is uncertainty regarding cooperation from NICE bus drivers, who might refuse overtime work. John Samuelsen, Transport Workers Union International President, discouraged drivers from changing routes, urging workers to stand in solidarity with railroad employees.
Furthermore, commuters can park at Citi Field in Queens for $6 and board the No. 7 train at Mets-Willets Point, though gaps remain in coverage as shuttle buses can transport only about 13,000 riders in each direction compared to the LIRR’s usual daily count exceeding 270,000 riders. MTA advises reserving this service for those with no alternative travel options.
Officials expect increased traffic on the Long Island Expressway and Northern and Southern State Parkways in absence of rail service. No additional parking is allotted at subway stations in Queens and Brooklyn. The MTA promises refunds for riders with monthly rail passes pertaining to non-operating business days.
Reporter Stefanos Chen contributes coverage on New York City’s transit system developments.
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