LIRR back on track following strike
Passenger trains began rolling again at noon, with full evening rush-hour service restored by 4 p.m. at stations across Long Island.
The Long Island Rail Road resumed full service Tuesday afternoon after a historic three-day strike, bringing relief to thousands of commuters who had been stranded, delayed or forced to miss work.
Passenger trains began rolling again at noon, with full evening rush-hour service restored by 4 p.m. at stations across Long Island.
Commuters expressed relief that the labor dispute ended before the workweek was over.
“I’m happy because I just lost a whole day and a half,” said rider Will Finley. “Half a day today, whole day yesterday.”
The strike, which halted the nation’s busiest commuter rail system, created major disruptions throughout the region. Many riders relied on shuttle buses or alternative transportation while negotiations continued between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and union leaders.
MTA officials and union representatives announced they had reached what both sides described as a fair agreement. While the exact terms of the contract were not released, the MTA’s most recent public offer included a 4.5% raise in the fourth and final year of the deal. The agency had also been seeking concessions from workers to help offset the cost of wage increases.
LIRR President Rob Free said the agreement contains provisions designed to make the contract financially manageable.
“I can’t go into details about the agreement, but there are things in there that make it more affordable, make it more palatable for the unions to agree on and make it easier for us to fit within our financial structure,” Free said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA officials insisted the agreement would not result in additional fare increases or tax hikes for riders.
For many commuters, the return of train service marked a welcome return to routine.
“I’m very glad they came to an agreement. Quickly, too,” Finley said. “If I would have missed this whole week it would have been terrible.”
Love Ahuja, of Hicksville, said he was grateful to be able to ride the railroad home again Tuesday evening.
“Now on the way back, fortunately, I can take the Long Island Rail Road back to Hicksville,” Ahuja said. “I’m happy that we’re finally back to a little bit of normalcy.”
Railroad officials also announced that passengers holding weekly or monthly tickets will receive prorated reimbursements for days they were unable to use the service during the strike.
The tentative agreement must still be voted on and approved by union members.
