New York braces for chaotic Monday commute with Long Island Rail Road strike

U.S. newsNew York braces for chaotic Monday commute amid Long Island Rail Road strikeOfficials warned commuters to expect disruptions Monday after workers walked off the job following stalled contract talks, shutting down one of the nation’s busiest commuter rails.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00LIRR employee Olivier Desinor leads striking workers in chants during a picket outside Jamaica Station in Queens, New York City, on Saturday.Jeremy Weine / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 17, 2026, 1:31 PM EDTBy Gabriella RudyNew York officials urged commuters to work from home Monday as a strike by Long Island Rail Road workers threatened to disrupt travel for hundreds of thousands of riders across the region. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority were preparing emergency transportation alternatives, including shuttle buses from Long Island into Queens and additional subway service, after negotiations between the MTA and rail unions broke down this weekend, prompting workers to walk off the job and shutting down the railroad Saturday.“Let’s face the facts: it’s impossible to fully replace LIRR service,” Hochul told reporters Sunday at a press conference.The strike — the LIRR’s first in roughly 30 years — has halted service on one of the nation’s busiest commuter rail systems, which carries hundreds of thousands of riders between Long Island and New York City.Shuttle buses for essential workers were set begin operating at about 4:30 a.m. Monday from six locations across Nassau and Suffolk counties to subway connections in Queens. Officials repeatedly urged commuters who are able to work remotely to stay home during the strike. Commuters exit a Long Island Rail Road train at Penn Station, in New York City, on Friday.Adam Gray / Getty ImagesMTA officials blamed union leadership for walking away from negotiat...