May 17, 2026 · Updated May 17, 2026
Five unions representing 3,500 workers shut down the LIRR just after midnight Saturday — the first strike since 1994. Here is where to catch shuttle buses, what to tell your boss, and how to get a refund.
Five unions representing 3,500 Long Island Rail Road workers walked off the job just after midnight Saturday, bringing North America's largest commuter rail system to a halt for the first time since 1994. The strike, which affects roughly 300,000 regular weekday commuters across Nassau and Suffolk counties, came after months of failed negotiations between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and worker groups over wages and healthcare costs. As CBS New York reported, neither side reached a deal before the Friday night deadline.
The walkout involves five unions acting as a coalition, including the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). According to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 3,500 workers participated in the initial walkout. The unions say the MTA's wage offer falls short of what is needed to keep pace with inflation and rising healthcare costs. The MTA has maintained that its offer is fiscally responsible and fair, citing the agency's ongoing recovery from pandemic-era revenue losses.
The MTA has deployed shuttle buses from six Long Island locations during peak commute hours. Here is the full rundown:
Buses run inbound toward Manhattan from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and outbound toward Long Island from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. There is no midday or late-night service. The MTA is explicitly asking employers to activate remote work arrangements because the shuttle capacity cannot come close to absorbing 300,000 daily riders.
From Jamaica station, commuters can connect to the E, J, or Z trains. From Howard Beach, the A train provides direct service to lower Manhattan, Midtown, and points north. Both stations have parking, though lots will fill quickly as the work week begins.
Glen Cove officials confirmed that the New York City Water Taxi will use Glen Cove's ferry terminal to transport commuters to Manhattan during the strike — an option for North Shore residents who live within driving distance of the city.
The MTA has confirmed prorated refunds will be issued to May monthly ticket holders for each day of the strike. The process for requesting a refund — including for mobile tickets — will be posted to the MTA website. Hold onto all ticket documentation until the refund procedure is published.
The strike hits as this year's Subway Series is scheduled at Citi Field, drawing significant numbers of Long Island fans. Travel and Tour World noted the disruption will complicate access for LIRR-dependent fans heading to Queens. If you have tickets, plan for extra travel time or drive and use a parking app to reserve a spot in advance.
Historically, LIRR strikes resolve quickly. The 1994 walkout — the last one before this — lasted under a week before federal mediation helped broker a deal. The current dispute over wages appears entrenched, however. As of Saturday morning, the Teamsters said there were no immediate plans to resume negotiations. State officials including Governor Hochul have been in contact with both parties, according to ABC7 New York, but have not invoked emergency intervention powers.
For real-time updates and shuttle bus status, visit mta.info. The MTA has committed to updating the page as the situation develops.
