What Travelers Should Know Before Planning An Upcoming Trip On The Long Island Rail Road

New York City visitors may be familiar with its subway system, but probably haven't thought much about the thousands of commuters who travel from outside the city to work each day. People rely on trains to get to work from several northeastern US cities across Connecticut, New Jersey, and Long Island.

The Long Island Rail Road, in particular, happens to be the busiest commuter railroad in North America, serving roughly 250,000 riders every weekday. The record-breaking railroad serves Long Island commuters from Manhattan to Montauk, and is relied on by thousands to get to work daily. However, next week, this essential transportation service could be placed on pause.

Five unions representing the Long Island Rail Road workforce — the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Transportation Communications Union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen — have declared intent to strike on September 18, 2025, if their demands for higher wages aren't met. The unions would like to see a 15% increase over the next three years from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and have already rejected their previous offer of a 9.5 % raise.

This potential strike has been met with mixed reactions from commuters, as one rider told CBS, "I don't have sympathy for the union workers. I think they're paid very well," while another said, "I know that they deserve more." Some local officials have blamed the federal government, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul's spokesperson stating, "Let's be clear: Long Islanders are now facing the possibility of a labor action on the LIRR because the Trump Administration took the unprecedented and reckless step of ending federal mediation early."

Regardless of reactions to the looming strike, the protest would result in a complete shutdown of the LIRR, according to the MTA. Long Island Rail Road commuters should have a plan if the strike is to go into effect. While the MTA has prepared shuttle buses for essential workers, they suggest arranging work-from-home accommodations if commuters are unable to get to work another way.

If commuters can drive, they're encouraged to leave early and prepare for heavy congestion. This is why workers shouldn't rely on cars or cabs to get around NYC, as many will presumably be commuting via car with the absence of the LIRR.