NEW YORK — Some Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road trains would be converted to shuttle routes to transport outer-borough commuters into Manhattan, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said in an Associated Press report.
As contract talks with bus and subway workers continued, the MTA released contingency plans in case of a strike. A walkout could come as early as next week.
Modified service on both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, the elimination of on-train ticket sales, and the formation of street-level lines to get onto trains were among the plans.
The current contract with the 34,000 workers represented by Transport Workers Union expires Sunday. Union members have already authorized their leaders to call a strike for Monday, even though state law prohibits strikes by public employees.
The MTA, on its Web site, said the contingency plan would not take effect until 24 hours after a strike began. The MTA warned commuters to prepare for crowds, lines, and delays; it asked that people consider working from home if possible.
The MTA contingency plan follows the release of the city’s contingency plan, which would require passenger vehicles carry at least four people to enter or leave Manhattan on weekdays, would allow taxis to pick up multiple fares and would increase ferry routes.
The MTA plan includes:
— For Metro-North: Regularly scheduled trains headed to Grand Central Station will not stop at most Bronx stations from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Instead, shuttle service will be available between the Bronx and Manhattan.
— For Long Island Rail Road: Regularly scheduled trains heading to Penn Station will stop at hub stations in Queens from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. At other times, shuttles and regular trains will provide service to all Queens stations. — All tickets must be purchased before getting on trains; no tickets will be sold in New York City limits during rush hours.
— Regular riders on both lines can use Metro-North or LIRR passes on the shuttles, but Metrocards will not be accepted.
— Special entrances will be designated at both Penn Station and Grand Central Station to ease crowding.