County Executive Thomas Suozzi joined by the head of LI Bus Neil Yellin, and LIRR representative Ray Kenney.

Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today announced the County's transportation plan in preparation for an MTA transit strike on or after December 15, 2002. The strike affects New York City Subway and New York City Bus. Long Island Rail Road and Long Island Bus will continue to operate.

County Executive Suozzi was joined by MTA LI Bus President Neil Yellin, LIRR and MTA police representatives, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Richard Guardino, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger, Nassau County Police Commissioner James Lawrence, Emergency Management Commissioner Richard Rotanz and Deputy County Executives Anthony Cancellieri, Helena Williams and Peter Sylver.

"We will support New York City in their effort to reduce vehicular traffic during a transit strike," said the County Executive. "We are confident that Nassau County residents will be able to make their daily commutes."

County Executive Suozzi announced a five point transportation plan, coordinated under the newly created Office of Emergency Management, to assist commuters.

FIVE POINT TRANSPORTATION PLAN

1. Use Carpool Staging Areas

Beginning 12:01 AM, Monday, December 16, 2002, New York City will require four passengers or more in any vehicle traveling across the East River, 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Commuters should use these regional areas to meet and form carpools for travel into New York City:

• Southeast - Jones Beach State Park
• Northeast - Cantiague Park, Hicksville
• Southwest - Nickerson Beach, Lido Beach
• Northwest - Christopher Morely Park in south parking lot, Manhasset
• Central - Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

Call Long Island Transportation Management at 631-737-CARS (www.litm.org) for assistance with identifying riders available for a carpool to a specific New York City destination.

2. Use Park and Ride Locations

In Nassau County commuters can use these park and ride locations:

• Park at Nassau Coliseum and ride LI Bus N 70, N71, or N72 on Hempstead Turnpike to Hempstead LIRR station.
• Park at Belmont Racetrack and, off-peak only starting at 9:00 AM ,ride on a shuttle bus to Floral Park LIRR station.

In Queens:

• Park at Shea Stadium and walk to LIRR or to ferry service.
• Park at Long Island City and walk to ferry service at Hunter's Point
• Park at Floyd Bennett Field (Gateway NRA) and walk to ferry service at Gateway Marina.

3. Long Island Bus Service

LI Bus serves 47 railroad stations throughout Nassau County. Commuters should take buses to the train stations to avoid traffic congestion and limited parking availability. Metrocards, which can be purchased in advance, may be used on all buses. Call 516-228-4000 for LI Bus Travel Information or click on www.mta.info.

4. Long Island Rail Road Service

Call 516-822-LIRR or click on www.mta.info for train service. Commuters should be aware that a heavier volume of riders is expected at the following train stations: Valley Stream, Mineola, Hicksville, New Hyde Park, Lynbrook, Freeport, Manhasset, Rockville Centre, Great Neck and Floral Park. Commuters should purchase tickets in advance. Use drop and ride: to reduce congestion at LIRR stations, ask a family member or friend for a ride to the station.

5. Be Patient

Nassau County residents will need to be patient throughout the transit strike. Allow extra time for all trips into New York City. Commuters are encouraged to telecommute, stagger work schedules and use alternate work sites.

Nassau County's homepage will include updated transit strike information as it becomes available.

Click Here to download an Informational Brochure:
"New York City Transit Strike Contingency Plan"
(.pdf format file)