LIRR strike means train service is shut down. Here's how to commute to and from NYC.
Editor's note: The MTA and LIRR unions reached a tentative deal to end the strike on Monday, May 18. Click here for our coverage.
Hundreds of thousands of New York commuters are impacted by the Long Island Rail Road strike.
While the MTA is encouraging those who can to work from home, it has also developed contingency plans. The subway has become a major artery for LIRR riders during the work stoppage.
Shuttle bus locations
Thirty two years after the last LIRR strike, shuttle buses are once again the MTA's Plan B. With only 275 of them, however, there's not enough capacity for the more-than-250,000 daily riders.
Shuttle buses are runninng between six Long Island locations and the subway in Queens.
The buses will run during peak hours from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. toward Manhattan and from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. to Long Island. Limited reverse peak service, meaning going to Long Island in the morning and toward the city in the evening, will be available only on three routes.
Officials said there is no charge for the shuttle bus service. Several towns will suspend parking regulations at shuttle bus locations.
Peak and reverse peak service
- Bay Shore (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A
- Huntington (LIRR) to Jamaica-179 St F at Hillside Avenue and 179th Street
- Ronkonkoma (LIRR) to Jamaica-179 St F at Hillside Avenue and 179 Street
Peak direction
- Hempstead Lake State Park, near Lakeview (LIRR), to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A
- Hicksville (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A
- Mineola (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport A
NICE bus can transport Nassau County residents
The Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus can connect commuters to and from points in Queens.
Here is a list of MTA locations with NICE Bus access:
- 179 St EF
- Far Rockaway-Mott Av A
- Flushing-Main St 7
- Jamaica Bus Terminal, a short walk from the 169 St F
- Jamaica Ctr-Parsons/Archer EJZ
Passenger drop-off locations
The MTA released a list of subway stations for passengers to get dropped off.
"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," the MTA said.
- Far Rockaway-Mott Av
- Kew Gardens-Union Tpke
- Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd
- Sheepshead Bay
- Woodhaven Blvd
LIRR service to AirTrain JFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport officials said the AirTrain service will continue to operate during the stike, but it will be harder for commuters to get to the Jamaica station where the train is.
"Please budget extra travel time and plan to use alternative travel options, like the MTA's A train to and from Howard Beach, or the E, J, or Z train to and from Jamaica," a social media post read.
There will also be a limited shuttle bus service between Howard Beach and Long Island on weekdays during peak hours for essential workers.
NYU Langone employees will have ferry transportation
The Glen Cove City Council approved two resolutions to help NYU Langone Health employees to get to and from work on weekdays during the strike.
Glen Cove officials will allow the New York City Water Taxi to use Glen Cove's ferry terminal to transport staff.
"This is something that may happen; it may not happen. It depends upon the railroad strike. We're trying to help Langone as much as we can," said Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck.
Other hospital systems are organizing private shuttles from park and rides.
Parking at Citi Field
With the Mets out of town, commuters can leave their cars at the stadium for $6 if they choose to drive.
Officials also recommend carpooling so drivers can use the HOV lane on the Long Island Expressway to move along a little faster.
