An MTA task force recommended Thursday that commuters continue to be allowed to break open a beer for their ride home, while others have concerns.

The task force said there is no connection between the sale and consumption of alcohol and safety concerns.

According to a report published by the task force, 1,000 Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North customers needed medical attention due to alcohol consumption in 2006. Three hundred additional passengers received tickets for unruly conduct on trains or at stations last year.

MTA Board Member Mitch Pally said the MTA bans alcohol on the subway system and he doesn't see why it is allowed on the LIRR.

Peter Haynes, from the LIRR Commuter Campaign, also disagrees. "If bars can be held accountable for drunk drivers that leave their establishments, surely the MTA and Long Island Rail Road can be held accountable as well," Haynes said.

MTA formed the task force after a teenager fell through the gap between the platform and train at the Woodside Station and was killed. It was determined the teen had been drinking the night of the summer 2006 incident.