Top officials of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the public benefit corporation responsible for public transportation in the U.S. state of New York, announced on Wednesday they are optimistic that a eventual strike by Amtrak workers would be prevented. Such a strike would affect Long Island Rail Road riders.

MTA CEO Elliot Sander and LIRR President Helena Williams underlined the fact that a contract could be hammered out by Amtrak and its employees before the deadline  (Jan. 30).

Amtrak is in charge of Penn Station, the Manhattan terminal for the LIRR and NJTransit, and several tracks leading into it that the commuter lines use. The contingency plans also include NJTransit and NYC Transit running a special P subway line between Herald Square and Jamaica, Queens. LIRR passenger also would be directed from railroad stops in Queens and Brooklyn to subway lines in close proximity.

LIRR President Helena Williams' plan in case of a shut down at Penn Station includes westbound trains that would end their runs at one of five stations: Jamaica, Woodside, Shea Stadium, Hunterspoint Avenue and Flatbush Avenue.

Morning commuters in NY would be able to choose trains to several of those five end points. The only exception would be the Port Washington branch.