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Community Corner

Commuters React to Proposed LIRR Fare Increases

Most Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad ticket prices would rise between 8.19 to 9.31 percent.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced this month multiple proposed fare hikes that could take effect as soon as March 1.

According to a release from the MTA, most Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad ticket prices would rise between 8.19 to 9.31 percent.

One-way tickets on the LIRR would see a minimum increase of 75 cents, while monthly passes would see a minimum increase of $14. City subway fares will also see an increase, according to Newsday [paid link], as would bridge and tunnel tolls.

The agency's goal is to increase overall fare revenue by about 7 percent.

The increases are not welcome for one Garden City commuter, who pays $50 a week - more than $200 a month - to go to and from both work and school via subways. “I'm definitely going to have to cut back on spending, and even may consider a second job. It adds up," the resident told Patch.

“I pay $62 per day on MTA rides to and from college. I depend on my parents financially and am not the only child in the family,” said fellow commuter Annalame Ransome. “I may have to change to a cheaper but longer train to make it to school.”

A daily commuter said he'd consider giving up his lunch budget to help offset the increases. “The money is going to have to come out of something,” he said.

MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph J. Lhota said that the increases are a result of multiple costs "that the MTA does not exercise control over," including costs for debt service, pensions, energy, paratransit and employee and retiree health care.

"We are grappling with long-term measures to reduce these frustrating and difficult non-discretionary expenses, but today, they are the drivers of the need for a fare and toll increase," Lhota said in a release.

The Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council (LIRRCC), in a statement, said all the hikes do is "discourage use of the LIRR."

"Public transportation is essential to the economic life of Long Island and the state. The burden of paying for public transportation falls heavier upon our riders than on riders anywhere else in the nation," the statement read. "We call on the governor and state leaders to convene a wide ranging discussion on funding and fares for public transportation and to develop a sustainable funding model for the MTA and public transportation across the state."

The council argues that Nassau County representation on the MTA board is essential. "Long Island must be fully represented on the MTA board in making this decision, as it has a profound impact on the future of Long Island. Nassau riders
deserve to be heard,” LIRRCC chair Mark Epstein said. "We ask that immediate action be taken to fill this position. Once again riders are being asked to pay more, with no light at the end of the tunnel."

The proposals will be subject to modification after the public review process and will be considered for adoption by the MTA Board at its Dec. 19 meeting, according to the MTA.

The MTA will hold eight public hearings between Nov. 7 and 15 throughout the MTA's service territory. The hearings will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., or as long as there are registered speakers who have not yet spoken, whichever is later, the MTA said.

Registration to speak will be open between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at each hearing, or members of the public can register in advance by calling (718) 521-3333 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

With Matt Hogan

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