UPDATE as of 2 pm, May 19, 2026:
The Long Island Rail Road strike that began at midnight on Saturday, May 16, has ended and train service is being restored across the system. The MTA advises that residual delays, cancellations, crowding, and schedule disruptions are expected while full operations resume. Travelers should continue to allow additional travel time and monitor official transit updates closely.
Visit the MTA’s website for the latest service information.
Hunter College remains open and operating on its normal schedule. Students, faculty, and staff who rely on the LIRR are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and review available alternative transportation options.
The college will continue monitoring the situation and share additional updates as needed.
FINAL EXAM ADMINISTRATION
Students whose ability to take final exams may be affected by the LIRR transit disruption should consult each of their instructors individually as soon as possible. Instructors are encouraged to be flexible in the administration of finals for such students. Instructors who wish to discuss options for flexibility should contact their dean’s office.
REMOTE WORK GUIDANCE
Staff affected by the disruption may work remotely where feasible and appropriate to their role. Remote work arrangements must be approved by supervisors and aligned with departmental needs.
This option does not apply to employees designated as essential personnel or employees expected to report to campus as required.
Existing remote work arrangements may be temporarily adjusted to ensure that critical operations continue effectively.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
To help mitigate commuting challenges, employees may adjust their work hours in coordination with their supervisors.
Departments may:
- Implement staggered shifts to reduce peak-hour travel demand
- Allow earlier or later start times depending on transit availability
- Maintain adequate staffing coverage throughout the day
Flexible scheduling should balance operational needs with employee commuting constraints.
LEAVE OPTIONS
Employees who are unable to commute to work should notify their supervisors as early as possible.
If remote work is not feasible, employees may use available leave balances in accordance with college and university policy.
EXPECTATIONS FOR SUPERVISORS
Supervisors are expected to:
- Provide reasonable flexibility and support to employees impacted by the disruption
- Maintain clear and consistent communication regarding expectations
- Ensure that essential operations and services remain uninterrupted
- Develop contingency staffing plans as needed
These measures are intended to minimize disruption while supporting the Hunter community.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has activated contingency plans that include shuttle bus service from select Long Island stations to subway connections in Queens. Shuttle bus service is expected to be free of charge.
Shuttle bus service between some Queens subway stations and Nassau County will continue to operate during the Tuesday evening commute as rail operations are restored. But the shuttles to Hempstead Lake State Park, Hicksville and Mineola would not operate during the evening commute.
MTA Shuttle Service
Peak and Reverse-Peak Service
- Bay Shore LIRR ↔ Howard Beach–JFK (A train)
- Huntington LIRR ↔ Jamaica–179 St (E/F trains at Hillside Ave.)
- Ronkonkoma LIRR ↔ Jamaica–179 St (E/F trains at Hillside Ave.)
NICE Bus Service
NICE Bus service between Long Island and Queens will continue.
As resources allow, NICE Bus may provide additional service serving:
- Freeport
- Great Neck
- Mineola
- Hicksville
More information is available at the NICE Bus Service website.
