New LIRR Fees and Policies Rile Commuters

A group representing Long Island Rail Road commuters wants to punch a hole in some new MTA policies that will cost many riders more.

LIRR's Commuter Council is asking the agency to overturn a new $10 fee for returning tickets—including those worth less than the return fee.

One-way tickets that used to be honored for up to six months are now only good for two weeks. 

And what was once meant to be a discount for the occasional rider purchasing 10 trips at once can now be used only over a six-month period—down from a full year.

“We find that these new policies have caused inconvenience, confusion, financial hardship, and frustration for LIRR riders,” wrote LIRRCC chair Mark Epstein, in a letter to MTA Board members. “Riders are now reluctant to purchase tickets for future trips due to the risk of being left with a worthless ticket or being forced to pay a refund processing fee."

LIRRCC says the reaction to the new policies has been “overwhelmingly negative” among riders, and that the financial impact hits the occasional traveler, and those who have other transportation options the hardest.

“This is not the way to build a new customer base,” Epstein said.

An MTA representative said it would review the Commuter Council's proposal.

In Brooklyn, LIRR's hub is at Atlantic Terminal, with service to and from Long Island via Jamaica Station in Queens.