Tax Benefit For LIRR Riders Nearly Halved

Under the 2012 tax code, it looks to be a more expensive year for Long Island Rail Road commuters.

The deduction for transit riders and drivers who park had been the same $230 per month in years past.

But now, those transit rider benefits have expired, rolling back to $125, according to the .

The deduction for parking will actually go up a bit, to $240 per month, because of a rise in the cost index.

“Obviously, we’re strongly in favor of restoring parity between transit and parking benefit levels as soon as possible,” a spokesman for the LIRRCC said.

A bill co-sponsored by Rep. , D-Nassau-Queens, the Commuter Benefits Equity Act of 2011, was introduced in both houses, but was referred to the Ways and Means Committee, and not passed in time for the New Year.