An empty train departs Ronkonkoma

Aside from the three large charter buses parked at Ronkonkoma station, the return to normal was evident Tuesday morning. Only a few riders were seen on the waiting buses.

For the first time in three days, an empty train sat parked on the tracks of the Ronkonkoma train station as the sun began to rise over Long Island. It pulled out of the station at 5:37 a.m. The MTA said it would take some time to reposition all its trains.

The dedicated group of union workers who had protested at 1000 Railroad Ave. with red shirts and picket signs in the dark on Monday were gone Tuesday, a tentative contract having been reached.