New York, NY (May 18, 2026)

The Long Island Rail Road strike that disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of commuters has ended after the MTA and five unions representing LIRR workers reached a tentative agreement, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday evening.

Tonight, the @MTA reached a fair deal with the five LIRR unions that delivers raises for workers while protecting riders and taxpayers.

I’m pleased to announce that phased LIRR service will resume beginning tomorrow at noon.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 19, 2026

The walkout began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday after contract talks broke down between the MTA and unions representing approximately 3,500 workers. The strike halted LIRR service across the system, forcing commuters to find alternate ways into New York City and across Long Island through shuttle buses, subways, carpools, ferries, and remote work arrangements.

Service is expected to resume in phases beginning Tuesday at noon, bringing relief to riders who spent days dealing with major uncertainty and limited transportation options. The disruption affected one of the busiest commuter rail systems in North America and created serious challenges for workers, students, medical patients, and families who rely on the railroad every day.

During the shutdown, the MTA operated shuttle buses from Long Island to subway connections in Queens, but many riders described the experience as slow, crowded, confusing, or impractical. Some commuters said their trips stretched for hours, while others said the alternatives did not work for people traveling outside peak commuting times.

The agreement brings an end to a tense labor standoff that centered on pay, benefits, and long-term cost concerns. While full details of the deal were not immediately released, officials said the agreement provides raises for workers while aiming to protect riders and taxpayers.

For Long Island residents, the end of the strike means a return to normal travel may finally be in sight. Still, the disruption left many commuters frustrated over the speed and severity of the shutdown, and the coming days will likely bring continued scrutiny of how both sides handled the dispute.

After days of stalled trains, crowded alternatives, and widespread frustration, Tuesday’s planned service restoration marks the first step toward getting the region’s daily commute back on track.

Heads up for LIRR customers: Service will remain suspended for the AM rush tomorrow.

Please telework if that’s an option.

If you must travel, we’ll be offering limited shuttle bus service between Long Island and Queens for the AM and PM rush. Some subway stations in Brooklyn… pic.twitter.com/ffRN9otN7A

— LIRR (@LIRR) May 18, 2026

Strikes are never easy on workers, commuters, or families.

But together, we got it done.

Now it’s time to get Long Island moving again. pic.twitter.com/jfWDI3O2gX

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 19, 2026