The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike has led to a suspension of services, prompting New York transit officials to arrange alternative travel options. These measures are mainly for commuters who cannot work remotely. However, officials have cautioned that the contingency plan will not suffice for all passengers dependent on the railroad.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has initiated free shuttle bus services starting Monday from six Long Island locations to two subway stations in Queens. This service runs in both directions during the evening rush. Buses from Bay Shore, Hicksville, and Mineola L.I.R.R. stations, as well as Hempstead Lake State Park near Lakeview station, transport riders to the A train at Howard Beach-JFK Airport. Meanwhile, buses from Huntington and Ronkonkoma head to the F train at Jamaica-179 Street.
The buses are scheduled every ten minutes from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., with afternoon trips back to Long Island from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Some Suffolk County stations will have limited bus services in the non-peak directions.
In Nassau County, riders can use regular Nassau County bus services, known as NICE, to reach either the No. 7 train in Flushing, one of the city’s busiest stations, or the Jamaica Bus Terminal to access an F train. It’s uncertain if NICE drivers, who are not allowed to strike but might refuse overtime, will fully participate in these plans. John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union representing bus drivers, advised workers not to alter their routes to support alternative services.
Additionally, starting Monday, commuters can park at Citi Field in Queens for $6 to board the No. 7 train at Mets-Willets Point. This plan leaves several gaps among the 126 LIRR stations. The shuttle buses accommodate roughly 13,000 riders in either direction, whereas the LIRR serves over 270,000 riders daily. The MTA has advised that shuttle services are reserved for workers without alternative travel options.
The MTA expects increased car travel and drop-offs at subway stations in Queens and Brooklyn. However, it has stated no additional parking will be offered at these stations. Officials have warned that the absence of rail services could result in heavier traffic on the Long Island Expressway and the Northern and Southern State Parkways.
The MTA plans to provide refunds to monthly rail pass holders for business days without train service.
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