MTA releases commuter contingency plan for LIRR strike
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The MTA has released a commuter contingency plan for LIRR customers in case there is a strike starting July 20.
"We continue to hope that we can avoid a work stoppage at the bargaining table," said MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast. "But nevertheless, we want LIRR customers and all Long Island residents to be aware that there is a potential for a disruption of service and what that might mean."
Should a full strike occur, no Long Island Rail Road service will be available, the MTA says.
Jonas Elouidor, who begins his day at 6 a.m. to get to his job as a chauffeur, takes the train from Brentwood to Hicksville, and then another train from Hicksville to Westbury.
"I'm worried about it because I have no other way to get to work as it is ...," said Elouidor.
Once he arrives at the Westbury station, he takes a 5-minute cab ride. He always has his eye on the clock.
"I'd rather be early than late," he said. "I don't get home until 10:30 at night, but hey, that's what it is. You have to get to work."
Thousands of people, like Elouidor, are trying to figure out how early they're going get to get to work on time if the strike goes through.
MTA officials detailed its contingency plan that involves using buses and a ferry, but it is a rush hour-only plan, from 4-7 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. It is encouraging people to leave early because they anticipate delays. No buses will depart after 7 a.m.
Shuttle Buses: 350 buses from six LIRR stations in Nassau and Suffolk to three subway stations in Queens, peak direction and rush hour only carrying 15,000 per day.
Ferry Service: Free ferry service from Glen Gove to East 34th Street Shuttle Launch. 3 inbound runs in the morning, 3 at night, carrying 1,000 customers on a 40- minute ride. Limit parking in Glen Cove
Park and Ride Lots: 4,000 parking spaces at Citi Field, where customers can get No. 7 subway, 3,000 parking spaces at Aqueduct, where customers can get A subway
Parking: 8,400 parking spots in Nassau and Suffolk with real-time availability alerts through social media. Hundreds of pay lots near subway stations in Brooklyn and Queens
LIE : HOV lane on LIE will require 3 people per vehicle, not 2
The LIRR provides 300,000 trips every weekday, so roads would likely become extremely congested and usual commute times would be significantly longer should there be a walkout. The MTA is suggesting LIRR commuters do any of the following should a strike occur:
1. Work from home, or stay with friends and family in or near the City.
2. Discuss telecommuting and/or flex time options with your employer.
3. Connect with others willing to carpool.
4. Use existing bus services provided by NICE, NYC Transit, and MTA Bus.
The MTA has further details on its site: http://bit.ly/1ojqipX
According to the MTA, all non-essential New York state workers from Long Island will be allowed to telecommute. About 18,000 workers from across the area have pledged to telecommute. The MTA also is working with the Hotel Association of New York to coordinate hotel rooms for people who want to stay in the city.
Eyewitness News wants to know what you think about the potential for a LIRR strike. Tweet us using the hashtag #DearLIRR or post in the comments below.
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