LIRR strike stalls commutes as buses replace trains on day three

Long Island Rail Road remains shut on the first weekday of a strike now in its third day, forcing riders to take replacement shuttle buses and subways into New York City. Talks resumed after mediation with no deal, centered on wage hikes and the MTA’s push for higher healthcare contributions for new hires. About 275 free shuttle buses have been deployed, but capacity is far below the normal 250,000 daily riders, leaving many commuters scrambling and, in some cases, relying on remote work. Even if a deal is reached soon, full service would not resume immediately as crews and tracks are inspected and operations are reorganized, with ripple effects expected on city roads and transit.