All aboard for the latest LIRR news!
Since midnight on Friday, May 16th, commuters have faced major disruptions as LIRR service came to a complete halt amid an active strike. The shutdown left hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers navigating packed buses, heavy Long Island Expressway traffic, and sudden remote work arrangements.
The strike followed months of stalled negotiations over contract renewals, wages failing to keep pace with inflation, and disputes surrounding healthcare contributions. After the cooling-off period expired late Friday without an agreement, union leadership officially initiated a systemwide work stoppage.
According to a post from Governor Kathy Hochul on Twitter, a deal has officially been reached, bringing the 4–day work stoppage to an end. While details of the late-night agreement are still emerging, the compromise reportedly includes a revised wage structure aimed at improving worker retention, alongside protections for employee healthcare benefits.
What to Know Moving Forward
As you can imagine, waking up a massive rail network after a total standstill takes some time. The LIRR is rolling out service in phases, prioritizing four major branches right at the noon hour, with remaining lines expected to wake up shortly after.
Which Trains Are Moving First?
If you ride the Babylon, Huntington, Port Washington, or Ronkonkoma branches, you’re in luck. These are the very first trains scheduled to get you back on track today:
- Babylon Branch: The first westbound train leaves Babylon at 12:14 p.m. bound for Penn Station. If you’re heading east out of the city, the 12:22 p.m. from Penn Station will be your first ride home.
- Huntington/Port Jefferson Branch: Look for the 12:17 p.m. departure from Huntington to Penn Station. Eastbound commuters can catch the 12:10 p.m. train out of Penn.
- Port Washington Branch: This line gets an early jump with a 12:06 p.m. train from Port Washington to Penn Station. The first eastbound train leaves Penn at 12:16 p.m.
- Ronkonkoma Branch: A westbound train leaves Ronkonkoma at 12:18 p.m., while the earliest eastbound train departs Penn Station at 12:03 p.m.
Staying on the Bus? What to Know About Shuttle Alternatives
Because service is limited as the tracks spin back up to full capacity, the MTA isn’t pulling its emergency shuttle buses off the road just yet. They will continue to run through today’s PM rush hour to ensure no one gets stranded.
These shuttles are entirely free and are specifically designed to bridge the gap between major Long Island hubs and Queens subway stations.
If you choose to take a shuttle, keep in mind that while the bus ride is free, you will use OMNY or your phone to pay your standard fare once you transfer to the subway.
Here is where you can find them for the evening rush (running 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.):
- Two-Way (Peak and Reverse Peak) Routes: Shuttles will run both ways between Bay Shore and Howard Beach-JFK (A train), and from Huntington and Ronkonkoma straight to the Jamaica-179th St (F train) hub on Hillside Avenue.
- One-Way (Heading Home to LI) Routes: If you are leaving the city, look for shuttle connections heading eastbound out of Howard Beach-JFK to Hempstead Lake State Park (near Lakeview), Hicksville, and Mineola.
It’s been a chaotic few days, but if there is one thing we know about New Yorkers, it’s that we always figure out a way to keep moving. As the rail system gets back on its feet today, remember to pack an extra dose of patience alongside your morning coffee.
There will likely be a few hiccups as the tracks warm up and the schedules smooth out. Be kind to the conductors, give up your seat if someone needs it more, and let’s look out for one another out there on the platforms.
Welcome back to the rails, New York. Safe travels! 🫂
