For the first time in more than three decades, tens of thousands of commuters across New York City are preparing to begin the workweek without service from the Long Island Rail Road after workers launched a strike over the weekend.

The LIRR, the busiest commuter railroad in North America, normally serves more than 300,000 passengers each day traveling between Long Island and New York City.

State and local officials spent the weekend rushing to implement emergency transportation plans, while warning riders to expect severe crowding on buses and subway lines Monday morning.

Donovan Richards told WABC that he expects Queens to become a major congestion point as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority deploys shuttle buses to move essential workers from Long Island into subway hubs throughout the borough.

Officials urged commuters to prepare for delays and consider alternative travel arrangements as negotiations between transit workers and railroad management continue.