Riders fed up as LIRR eyes another fare hike

The Long Island Rail Road is eying another fare hike, and some riders tell News 12 they have had enough. "It's just not feasible anymore. People don't like to pay more, but it's no longer about wanting to -- they can't. Fares are just out of control," say

News 12 Staff

Feb 10, 2019, 10:38 PM

Updated 1,893 days ago

Share:

The Long Island Rail Road is eying another fare hike, and some riders tell News 12 they have had enough.
"It's just not feasible anymore. People don't like to pay more, but it's no longer about wanting to -- they can't. Fares are just out of control," says Mark Epstein, chairman of the LIRR Commuter Council.
 
According to Newsday, the average monthly ticket has gone from $170 in 1999 to $334.50 now.
If the planned 4 percent fare hike goes into effect, on average, riders would be shelling out 102 percent more than they did 20 years ago.

In addition to planned fare hikes this year and in 2021, riders could see their fares go up by as much as 27 percent over the next five years.

"They keep going back to a dry well expecting more water. Riders can't do this anymore. Even if service was perfect it's still not affordable," says Epstein.

Riders at Hicksville's train station say service has plummeted as fares climb.

"It's just always delayed trains, late trains, canceled trains and they don't keep in touch with you about it, either," says Lori Widelack, of Commack.

Others say they've stopped commuting all together to avoid costs.

"It's like you needed to make $12,000 to $15,000 more to be even worth it to go into the city, otherwise you might as well stay on Long Island. So that's what I did. That's the tradeoff people are looking at now," says Timothy Heck, of East Northport.
The MTA board is slated to vote on this year's fare increase on Feb. 27. News 12 reached out to the MTA for comment but have not heard back. 


More from News 12
1:28
Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

2:32
Cloudy skies, breezy conditions and rain on Long Island

Cloudy skies, breezy conditions and rain on Long Island

0:20
Authorities: Crash involving Suffolk police vehicle reported in Elwood

Authorities: Crash involving Suffolk police vehicle reported in Elwood

0:23
West Islip man sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for stealing millions from Williston Park school

West Islip man sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for stealing millions from Williston Park school

0:25
Police: Man threw cellphone, injured officer responding to disturbance on road in Valley Stream

Police: Man threw cellphone, injured officer responding to disturbance on road in Valley Stream

0:19
Police: Suspect wanted for shooting at car in Riverhead

Police: Suspect wanted for shooting at car in Riverhead

1:09
The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

2:06
Dozens of layoffs could be coming to Hicksville School District

Dozens of layoffs could be coming to Hicksville School District

1:45
Great Neck Plaza residents concerned about residential complex proposal

Great Neck Plaza residents concerned about residential complex proposal

1:52
Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

1:40
Hungry students left with few options as eateries at Nassau Community College suddenly shut down

Hungry students left with few options as eateries at Nassau Community College suddenly shut down

2:08
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer appears in court; judge works to set trial date

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer appears in court; judge works to set trial date

0:37
North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

0:22
Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

1:45
Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

0:30
Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 months in jail for drug trafficking

Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 months in jail for drug trafficking

0:19
Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex

Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex

2:01
Proposed state budget includes changes to program that provides services to those in need of caregivers

Proposed state budget includes changes to program that provides services to those in need of caregivers

1:43
Cupcake Moms deliver baked goods to Ronald McDonald House

Cupcake Moms deliver baked goods to Ronald McDonald House

0:24
Police: 2nd suspect arrested for fatal Brentwood hit-and-run

Police: 2nd suspect arrested for fatal Brentwood hit-and-run