MTA Anticipates Fare Increase For Those Commuting To, From Long Island Next Year

Long Island commuters traveling to Manhattan will soon see a fare hike but riders in the five boroughs will be paying cheaper prices as part of a new pilot program.

Long Island Railroad customers may see new fees coming to and from New York City.
Photo Credit: *MTA/LIRR*

Zak Failla

02/26/2020 6:45 p.m.

The MTA announced on Wednesday, Feb. 26, that starting this spring, full-price fares for most travel within the City of New York on MTA Metro-North Railroad and MTA Long Island Rail Road will be reduced through funding from the Outer Borough Transportation Account.

According to the MTA, full-price fares will be reduced by 10 percent for Metro-North travelers in the Bronx and Manhattan; 10 percent for LIRR travelers in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan; and 20 percent for LIRR travelers utilizing monthly tickets.

However, the MTA’s plan also includes a 4 percent fare increase next year for LIRR riders, including those in Nassau and Suffolk County who are not privy to the discount.

Officials said the LIRR may lose upwards of $16 million annually due to the discounts. The pilot program is expected to last between six months and a year.

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