The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) plans to resume service starting at noon Tuesday, ending a strike that began early Saturday and disrupted travel for thousands of daily commuters. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) reached an agreement with all five LIRR unions, paving the way for trains to return and easing severe strain on the region’s transportation network.
The strike, the first in over 30 years, halted operations across North America’s largest commuter rail system and left nearly 300,000 daily riders stranded. With trains out of service, commuters faced overcrowded buses and ferries, while roads such as the Long Island Expressway suffered extensive traffic jams lasting hours. The work stoppage also caused staffing shortages in hospitals, schools, and service businesses that rely on reliable transit access.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deal, calling it a “fair agreement” that grants pay raises to workers while safeguarding riders and taxpayers. Although detailed terms remain undisclosed, service will return gradually throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening, prioritizing peak-direction trains to accommodate the commuter rush. The MTA still must release updated schedules to guide passengers through the phased restoration period.
The strike highlighted the critical dependence of Long Island and New York’s metropolitan area on the LIRR, revealing the limited alternatives available during rail shutdowns. While trains will be repositioned and operations normalized in the coming days, officials expect some lingering adjustments as riders revert to rail travel from overburdened roadways and other transit modes.