MTA Contingency Plan: LIRR Strike Looms, Affecting 270,000 Daily Riders

LIRR Strike Preparedness

• ⚠️ The MTA has announced contingency plans in anticipation of a potential work stoppage by the Long Island Railroad (LIRR).
• 🗓️ This possible strike could impact over 270,000 daily riders in less than a week.

MTA's Contingency Measures

• 🚌 If a strike occurs, bus service will run approximately every 10 minutes between select Long Island stations and subway stations in Queens.
• 🏠 The MTA is encouraging affected individuals to work from home, though this is not feasible for everyone.
• 📍 Key LIRR stations for bus transfers include Hicksville, Baltimore, and Rona.

Union Demands and Potential Strike Date

• 💰 Five unions representing over 3700 LIRR workers, including engineers and ticket agents, are demanding a pay raise to keep up with the cost of living.
• 🗳️ The results of their strike authorization ballots are expected by Monday.
• 📅 The potential strike could begin as soon as the 18th.

Official Response and Rider Concerns

• 🗣️ Governor Hokll is actively working to prevent the strike but has not disclosed if external help is being sought.
• 🏟️ The mayor of Farmingdale expressed concerns, as the Farmingdale station is near Beth Page Black, which is hosting the Ryder Cup, expecting around 25,000 daily users.
• ⏳ If a strike happens, it would be the railroad's first in over 30 years.