AARP Urging Long Island Members Working in NYC to Get Ready for LIRR Shutdown

Assoc. offers alternatives and resources in the case of shutdown

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Jul 16, 2014, 03:22 ET

NEW YORK, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Long Island is home to the largest concentration of AARP members in the nation, with many still in the workforce (85% of AARP members 50-64 on Long Island), joining the ranks of hundreds of thousands of other 50+ workers on Long Island who make the daily trek into NYC, they face a commuting nightmare if the looming July 20th LIRR shutdown becomes a reality.

AARP New York says being prepared is key and today is releasing the following resource list to help if the LIRR stops running (tips compiled from the MTA and Newsday).

Adjust your work schedule: Talk to your employer ahead of time about telecommuting options or working adjusted hours to avoid rush-hour gridlock.
MTA Contingency Plan: The MTA released a detailed contingency plan outlining alternative travel options in the event of a strike.
Ride-Sharing/Carpooling: New York's 511 service runs a ride-sharing program where commuters can find others in their neighborhood looking to carpool. The MTA has already designated carpool parking areas which can be found on their website: web.mta.info.
Car Rentals: Renting is another viable option for Long Island commuters who don't own cars. A few go-to companies include Hertz 24/7, where you can find cars based on your location, Enterprise, which picks you up, and Zipcar which lends you a car for a few hours.
Twitter Accounts to Follow:
- @511nyLongIsland - The state's 511 feed is frequently updated with info on traffic, accidents and road closures.
- @MTA - The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's feed should offer updates on strike negotiations
- @LIRR – During a strike the LIRR's Twitter account will focus on the alternatives: bus service and park and rides.
- @Newsday - Newsday will be updating on travel conditions and strike negotiations.
- @News12LI - News 12 Long Island will also be updating the latest news and traffic.
Gas price trackers: Track which gas pumps are cheapest with helpful trackers like GasBuddy and LongIslandGasPrices.com.
NYC Parking Tools: Download PrimoSpot, an app that gives users details about street parking, nearby garages, including address, phone number, hours and photos. Another useful site is parkme.com which lists nearby, affordable parking spots and tells you what NYC streets have restrictions and alternate-side parking schedules.
Bus and train schedules: The MTA has said it will offer limited shuttle service from New York City subway stations to LIRR stations across Long Island. As for trips within Long Island, try the Nassau Inter-County Express or Suffolk Transit buses to get to work. The MTA's TripPlanner can tell you what buses and subways to take based on your address and their website also lists info for the No. 7 Bus service to Flushing.
Park and Ride Subway: Two park and ride locations have been established at Citi Field and Aqueduct Race Track in Queens. - Ferry Service: To avoid traffic altogether, consider taking the free ferry service that the MTA will provide, running between Glen Cove, Long Island and E 34th Street/Midtown in Manhattan.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York