MTA Announces Proposed LIRR Fare Increases

Editor's Note: This article was written and submitted by Matthew Hogan.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced Monday 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.

MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph J. Lhota said that the increase 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 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.