MTA Deploys Shuttle Buses Amid LIRR Strike, Drawing Union Criticism
The MTA's use of shuttle buses during the LIRR strike has provided commuter relief but faced union opposition.
In response to the ongoing Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has implemented shuttle bus services to assist stranded commuters. These buses, operated by companies such as Peter Pan, Coach USA, and J & F Tours, transport passengers from five LIRR stations to subway connections at Jamaica-179th Street and Howard Beach-JFK Airport during peak hours.
The shuttle service, which began on Monday, costs approximately $550,000 daily and accommodated around 2,100 passengers on its first day, despite a capacity for 13,000. Union leaders have criticized the MTA's decision to employ these bus operators, labeling them as "scabs" for crossing picket lines. Jim Louis, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, stated, "Anybody that's been a union member — I'm a 50-year member — the thing is we don't like scabbing."
Coach USA spokesperson Dan Rodriguez defended the company's involvement, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring essential workers can reach their jobs with minimal disruption. Negotiations between the MTA and striking unions resumed on Monday, though progress has been slow.