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.

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Last updated: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10:48PM GMT
Commuters relieved to have ride after 3-day LIRR strike

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.

May 18, 2026, 2:52 PM GMT

Long Island drivers cope with slow traffic during LIRR strike

Those who opted to drive from Long Island to New York City on Monday morning dealt with early congestion amid the LIRR strike.

Eyewitness News reporter Lindsay Tuchman was in RoadCam 7 all morning to clock the commute.

Lindsay Tuchman has the latest on the commute.
May 18, 2026, 2:52 PM GMT

Commuters at Jamaica station cope with shuttle buses to commute on Monday

Jamaica station was one of the destinations for the dozens of shuttle buses leaving Nassau and Suffolk counties for New York City on Monday morning.

Eyewitness News reporter Jaysha Patel spoke with riders about how the commute went.

Jaysha Patel reports from Jamaica on the passengers coping with shuttle buses during LIRR strike.
May 18, 2026, 1:34 PM GMT

What to know about graduation ceremonies for Long Island colleges

Various colleges on Long Island are warning students and their families what they may need to know amid the ongoing LIRR strike:

Stony Brook -- Commencement events starting Monday, May 18, will proceed as scheduled. Because of the strike, they expect a 30-40% increase in vehicle traffic on campus.

Hofstra -- Hofstra University scheduled graduation ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students Sunday, and law students Monday night.

Farmingdale State College -- Farmingdale State College encouraged carpooling during final exams week. Commencement is Friday at the Nassau Veteran's Memorial Coliseum.

Malloy University -- Commencement ceremony is 1 p.m. Monday afternoon at Molloy University in Rockville Centre.

May 18, 2026, 12:36 PM GMT

MTA, LIRR unions meet in attempt to end strike

Anthony Johnson reports from outside of MTA headquarters.

Anthony Johnson reports on the negotiations.

Plus, Krista McNally has the latest from Ronkonkoma, the furthest point east where workers are able to take MTA shuttle buses.

Krista McNally reports from Ronkonkoma.