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MTA warns commuters of derailed travel plans ahead of LIRR strike

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 1:12 GMT by News 12 Networks
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Long‑Island Commuters Brace for a Major Disruption as the LIRR Strike Looms

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has issued an urgent warning to its riders, saying that the upcoming strike by Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) workers will cripple services across the region. According to a March 14 2025 update on the MTA’s official website, commuters will experience “severe disruptions” to both inbound and outbound traffic between Nassau County, Suffolk County and the greater New York City area. The strike is scheduled to begin on March 17, with the possibility of a delayed or partial return to service until the end of the month depending on the outcome of negotiations.

The Strike: Who, Why, and When

The strike is being led by the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) Local 1001, the labor organization that represents more than 2,300 LIRR employees. The union’s leadership has made it clear that the walkout is a last resort after months of stalled negotiations with MTA leadership. Key issues cited include wage increases, better health‑care benefits, and a “fair working environment” that respects workers’ safety and job security.

According to the TWU’s own press release—linked within the MTA’s advisory—the workers will begin a “full‑scale strike” on the afternoon of March 17, effectively suspending all scheduled LIRR trains for that day. The union also warned that any attempt to continue operations without proper labor agreements would be deemed a violation of labor law, and thus could provoke further legal or political action.

While the MTA has expressed its frustration with the situation, it has also pledged to provide a range of alternatives. “We are taking a proactive approach to help our commuters avoid undue hardship,” said MTA spokesperson Alex Kauffman. “We have already reallocated a significant number of Metro-North and subway trains to LIRR lines, and we will expand bus routes in the affected corridors.”

What the Strike Means for Commuters

The LIRR’s network is the third‑largest commuter rail service in the United States, with more than 600 daily trains carrying roughly 1.3 million riders. The strike will therefore have a ripple effect across the entire transportation ecosystem.

• Inbound/Outbound Delays: Trains to and from Penn Station and the Port Authority are scheduled to be halted entirely for March 17. Even on days when some trains may resume (if negotiations improve), the MTA predicts a “severe reduction in frequency” and “extended wait times.”

• Substitution Services: MTA officials have announced that they will deploy “replacement buses” on all major LIRR corridors, including the Babylon, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma lines. However, the coverage is limited to only the busiest hours. Bus routes will also be extended to cover some stations that are no longer served by trains.

• Crowding on Metro‑North and NYC Subway: With LIRR riders forced to shift to other modes of transport, the MTA anticipates a spike in Metro‑North ridership, especially along the Harlem and Hudson lines. Likewise, downtown New York City subways are expected to experience a surge in passenger numbers, as commuters seek alternate paths into the city.

• Impact on Long‑Distance Travel: Many people who rely on the LIRR to reach the airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—are advised to consider early departures, rideshare services, or the Amtrak Empire Service to maintain a connection to the airports.

Alternative Transportation Options

The MTA’s guidance suggests several practical steps for commuters:

1. Purchase Advance Metro‑Card: Riders are encouraged to buy an unlimited Metro‑Card in advance to avoid having to purchase a new one in the middle of the day.

2. Use the MTA Bus Service: The MTA’s website lists a network of bus routes that serve the major LIRR lines. For instance, the B15 bus connects to the Penn Station line, while the B25 serves the Port Jefferson area.

3. Rideshare and Carpooling: The MTA’s “Share the Ride” program has increased the capacity of carpool lanes along key corridors.

4. Remote Work: Employers are encouraged to allow flexible work arrangements for employees who rely on the LIRR for their daily commute.

5. Bike or Walk: For those who can, biking or walking to the nearest MTA station that remains operational can be an effective alternative, especially given the recent expansion of bike‑friendly infrastructure in the boroughs.

MTA’s Response and the Bigger Picture

The MTA’s spokesperson emphasized that the agency has always worked closely with unions to prevent such situations. “We believe that we can continue to improve services and pay our employees what they deserve,” Kauffman said. “However, we cannot operate in a state where workers are denied a fair bargain.”

At the same time, the MTA is preparing for a possible extended strike by training additional staff for the increased bus operations, and by coordinating with other transportation partners such as Amtrak and the New Jersey Transit (NJT) system. The agency’s website has a dedicated “Emergency Travel” page that explains how commuters can navigate a disrupted schedule, offering real‑time updates and live maps.

In addition, the union’s website—linked from the MTA’s page—provides a comprehensive FAQ for riders, addressing common concerns about safety, refunds, and the timeline for negotiations. The TWU’s official message calls for solidarity and says that the union will “continue to fight for a fair contract that reflects the value of our employees’ contributions to the city’s vital transportation network.”

Looking Ahead

While the strike is set to commence on March 17, the MTA and the TWU have scheduled a series of “critical talks” on March 18 to try to find a compromise. The city’s mayor and other political leaders have also announced that they will be monitoring the situation closely. However, experts say that even a quick resolution may not restore services to normal until at least a week later, as the MTA will need to gradually reintegrate train schedules and ensure that the workforce is ready to re‑engage safely.

In sum, the impending LIRR strike is expected to cause significant disruption for commuters across Long Island and New York City. While the MTA has outlined a set of alternatives and is working to mitigate the impact, the city’s residents must prepare for a week of altered travel patterns. For anyone reliant on the LIRR, it is vital to check the MTA’s updates regularly, book tickets or rides in advance, and consider the array of alternative routes outlined by the agency.