Q & A: TWU's full strike

FROM NEWSDAY.COM

6:40 AM EST, December 22, 2005

The Transport Workers Union entered Day 3 of its strike after its members walked off the job at 3 a.m. Tuesday.

Q: What does the TWU strike mean?
A: The strike shuts down the city's bus and subway system and triggers the city's contingency plan, which requires all vehicles entering the city between 5 a.m. through 11 a.m. to have at least four passengers. In addition, the plan calls for some roadways to be closed to all but emergency vehicles and for taxis to enforce a zone-based fare system.

The full strike includes the two private bus lines, Triboro Coach lines and Jamaica buses, that went on strike Monday.

Q: Is the LIRR running?
A: The LIRR is not affected by the strike and are running with their full contingency plan in place.

According to the plan, the LIRR will only stop at key hub stations (Bayside on the Port Washington branch, Queens Village, Valley Stream, and Laurelton on the Far Rockaway-Long Beach line) between 6 and 9 a.m, with service running every 15 to 20 minutes.

Seven morning and seven evening peak trains to provide extra Queens shuttle train service. Go to http://mta.info/strike/lirr-trains.htm for specific information.

In addition, a strike fare of $4.00 (each way) will be charged for travel within the city. MetroCard will not be accepted on the LIRR.

Long Island Bus and Amtrak are operating on a regular schedule.

Q: Do I lose the money that I have on my monthly MetroCard?
A: Unlimited ride MetroCards (including reduced-fare unlimited ride MetroCards) will be extended for as many days as the strike lasts so riders do not lose any time. Pay-per-ride MetroCard riders are not affected.

LIRR Mail&Ride MetroCard customers will automatically receive credit for any unused portion of the MetroCard in the next statement.

Q: What's next?
A: State Supreme Court Justice Theodore Jones ordered Local 100 President Roger Toussaint and two top aides to appear in State Supreme Court Thursday to answer a criminal contempt charge, warning jail time was a "distinct possibility."