New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today estimated the potential Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike could cause up to $61 million in lost economic activity each day, based on prior analysis from his office, inflation and ridership trends.

“A LIRR strike will be felt far beyond the tracks, triggering the loss of millions of dollars per day in lost economic activity, disrupting thousands of riders and throwing the region’s transit service into chaos and gridlock,” DiNapoli said. “I urge the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its union partners to expedite reaching a reasonable settlement so we can avoid the widespread disruption of a strike.”

DiNapoli’s projection is based on LIRR ridership information as well as census and economic data. In addition, any adverse impact on tourism would affect sales tax receipts, an important revenue source for local governments.

DiNapoli said that more than 250,000 riders rely on the railroad every day, traveling between Long Island and New York City, and within Long Island for work and other activities, such as shopping and tourism. DiNapoli’s office regularly examines and reports on the finances of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its affiliates, including the LIRR.

The economic impact of the strike would become more significant on Long Island and New York City with the approach of Memorial Day, summer holidays and the tourism season. While it is primarily a commuter rail, the LIRR’s non-commuter discretionary share of rides has increased in recent years and currently exceeds pre-pandemic levels.

In addition to providing essential commuter rail service, the LIRR connects Long Islanders to New York City attractions such as Broadway shows, sporting events, restaurants and shopping and brings tens of thousands of riders each week to the Hamptons, Fire Island, Montauk, Long Beach, and the Island’s other famous destinations, including beaches, golf courses and wineries. The impact of a strike would reach beyond those who rely on the LIRR, as roads, subways and buses stretch beyond their capacities.