⚠ What’s Happening
A strike by some Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) unions may begin September 18, leading to full shutdown of LIRR service if no deal is reached.
This could impact ~300,000 daily riders.
🚆 What You Should Do
Work from home if possible.
If you must commute, give yourself extra time — expect road congestion and crowded alternative transit modes.
🔄 Alternative Travel Options
MTA Shuttle Buses
Limited weekday service for essential commuters from key LIRR stations to subway connections in Queens.
Buses every ~10 minutes during peak: 4:30-9 AM toward Manhattan, 3-7 PM toward Long Island.
Stops include: Bellmore → Howard Beach-JFK, Hicksville → Mets-Willets Point, Ronkonkoma → Mets-Willets Point.
NICE Bus
In Nassau County: connect with Flushing-Main St & Jamaica Bus Terminal in Queens.
Drop-off Subway Stations
If driving or getting dropped off, useful stations include: Far Rockaway-Mott Av, Kew Gardens-Union Tpke, Mets-Willets Point, Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd, Parsons Blvd, Sheepshead Bay, Woodhaven Blvd.
♿ For Riders Needing Accessibility
Accessible travel alternatives will be available at key stations: Bellmore, Hicksville, Howard Beach-JFK Airport, Mets-Willets Point, Ronkonkoma. Customer ambassadors will assist at these locations.
💳 Refunds / Passes
If the strike causes service suspension on any business days in September, monthly ticket holders may be eligible for prorated refunds. Details forthcoming.