May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT
How potential LIRR strike could impact access to LaGuardia Airport
In the event of an LIRR strike, LaGuardia Airport revealed alternative transportation options to access the airport.
LIRR strike ends as unions, MTA reach deal after 3-day walkout
Long Island Rail Road started running trains at noon Tuesday, with full service to all branches by the afternoon rush hour.
Last updated: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10:48PM GMT
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Negotiators have reached a deal to end a strike that has brought North America's largest commuter rail system to a standstill.
CURRENT STATUS: LIRR unions, MTA reach deal to end 3-day strike.
The deal between the Long Island Rail Road and union leaders was announced on Monday. The two sides had bargained for years before the strike began Saturday.
The shutdown forced roughly 250,000 commuters who ride the system each weekday to work from home or find alternate routes to and from the city.
LIRR service started back up beginning Tuesday at noon.
Key Headlines
- May 19, 2026, 5:17 PM GMT
- May 19, 2026, 4:39 PM GMT
- May 19, 2026, 12:49 AM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT
LIRR service to the Jamaica AirTrain JFK Station could be suspended due to possible strike
LIRR service to the Jamaica AirTrain JFK Station may be suspended beginning Saturday, May 16, due to a possible strike.
AirTrain JFK will not be affected.
May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT
MTA: 'Very serious talks' are ongoing
MTA Chief of Policy and External Relations John McCarthy said "very serious talks" are ongoing, and there's "a lot of back and forth."
"There is still work to be done. It's like any negotiation, there is a lot of back and forth, but we are not going to give up on this," McCarthy said.
"We are going to be in it as long as it takes. We are hopeful we can get something done tonight, but we will stay for as long as it takes," he added.
McCarthy said they are "optimistic" a deal can be made, and are "very close," but more work needs to be done.
He said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and LIRR President Rob Free were involved in Thursday's negotiations at MTA Headquarters.
"Everyone is focused on getting to a deal at the highest levels of the MTA, at the highest levels of the union," McCarthy said.
May 16, 2026, 9:25 AM GMT
MTA has LIRR strike contingency plans in place for all but one line
The MTA has contingency plans in place in case Long Island Rail Road workers go on strike for all lines except one - the Port Washington Branch.
Some riders are left wondering why.
"That will be a nightmare for commuters, a lot of people in this town use the train to get to the city for work," said Port Washington resident Dennis Krevey.
The Port Washington line is one that will not have bus service available to commuters.
"We need bus service for somewhere on this line," said Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte.
Dalimonte wrote a letter to the county executive and town supervisor requesting public parks be made available for commuter parking.
Nassau county executive Bruce Blakeman released a statement saying in part:
"NICE Bus will have extra buses on existing routes to handle overload in the event of a strike. NICE Bus drivers will not cross picket lines by establishing new routes and NYS regulations do not allow for direct bus service to Manhattan. All county parks have large parking lots which can be used for carpooling."
