MIDTOWN — The MTA released contingency plans Friday to get New Yorkers to work if Long Island Rail Road workers go on strike.
The deadline for the labor action isn't until July 20, but the plans include providing shuttle bus service from seven LIRR stations and Nassau Community College to accommodate 15,000 commuters. Ferry service from Glen Cove will take commuters to East 34th Street and drivers can use one of the 7,000 parking spots at Citi Field and the Aqueduct Racetrack, according to the MTA.
“When the Long Island Rail Road union last went on strike in 1994 there were very limited options Long Islanders had to be able to come into work or do their commuting,” MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast told reporters during a conference call Friday.
“Now Long Islanders have far more options than could be offered 20 years ago. We hope we never have to put this plan into place. We are doing everything we can at the collective bargaining table to keep that from happening.”
Shuttle school buses connecting to the Howard Beach A train station will leave during the morning rush will leave from the Freeport, Bellmore, Seaford LIRR stations and Nassau Community College.
Buses going to the Citi Field 7 station will leave from Manhasset, Deer Park and Ronkonkoma.
Shuttles to the Woodhaven M-R station will leave from Hicksville.
Buses will leave from the subway stations back to the same LIRR stops during the evening commute.
The Seastreak Ferry will provide free service during peak hours in peak direction only. There will be three ferries during the morning and evening commute leaving from Glen Cove to East 34th Street. The ferries will be able to carry about 1,000 riders and will be first come first serve. The ride takes about 40 minutes.
There is limited parking at Glen Cove so commuters are advised to carpools.
For people who would drive to the subway 4,000 free parking spaces will be provided at Citi Field and 3,000 at the Aqueduct Race Track for the A line.
There is an additional 8,400 parking spots in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
Police will guard the lots.
The MTA will also use its smartphone app, Google Maps and Twitter to alert customers in real time about open parking lots and other commuting changes.
The HOV lane on the Long Island Expressway will also be limited to cars with three or more people, according to the MTA.
Riders can check the MTA's website for additional strike plan details.
Deputy Suffolk County Executive Jon Schneider said officials “are working around the clock” to avoid a strike.
Prendergast reportedly sat down at the negotiating table with the union Thursday. He would not say when he may meet with union members again.
