Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service resumed Tuesday, May 19, after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five unions reached a tentative agreement ending a three-day strike that shut down the nation’s busiest commuter rail system.

The strike, which began May 16, halted service for roughly 250,000 to 300,000 daily riders traveling between Long Island and New York City and marked the LIRR’s first strike since 1994.

According to the MTA, limited service resumed at noon Tuesday, with full service returning in time for the afternoon rush hour. Shuttle buses continued operating during the morning commute as officials encouraged riders to work remotely where possible.

The labor dispute centered on wage increases and healthcare costs after contract negotiations between the MTA and union groups stalled. Workers reportedly sought raises above 4% for the final year of the agreement, while the MTA had offered 3% increases alongside proposed work-rule changes.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the agreement Monday evening, stating the deal would provide wage increases while protecting riders and taxpayers from additional fare hikes or taxes. Specific contract terms have not yet been publicly released pending union ratification.

The shutdown triggered widespread commuter disruptions across the region, according to CBS News. Emergency transportation plans included shuttle bus operations, expanded parking access, and recommendations for telework. Nassau County officials reported lower-than-expected shuttle bus usage during the strike period.

Amid the service suspension, MTA officials warned there was “no adequate substitute” for normal LIRR operations due to the railroad’s daily passenger volume.

The tentative agreement now heads to union members for ratification voting in the coming days.