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Long Islanders will face an extra rough Monday commute today after higher fares and new ticketing policies went into effect.
"It’s kind of high when you want to ride a train every day like that for the commuters," Hempstead resident Stewart Oscar said. "It’s very, very hard and the rates need to go down a little bit instead of going up.”
On Sept. 30, 2025, the MTA Board unanimously approved the changes that officially began on Sunday.
Higher Fares
- Weekly and monthly tickets now cost 4.5% more, though the MTA says even with the increase, monthly ticket prices are still lower than they were pre-COVID and do not exceed $500.
- All other tickets, including one-ways, are up by as much as 8%.
- The surcharge for tickets purchased onboard from a conductor will increase by $2 to $8.
- There will be an equivalent surcharge for tickets purchased or activated onboard using the TrainTime app.
"I buy a monthly, so it's over $400 a month and now it just went up again," one Long Island Rail Road commuter told News 12 today. "It's frustrating because times are tough and everything is going up in price, so my paycheck isn't going as far."
Ticketing Changes
- All one-way tickets are valid until 4 a.m. the morning after you buy a ticket (they used to be good for 60 days).
- A new Day Pass for unlimited travel has replaced the Round-Trip ticket.
- A new “pay-as-you-go” discount is available for mobile customers, where after 10 peak or off-peak trips in 14 days, you will get an 11th peak or off-peak one-way trip for free in the same 14-day period.
- A reduced fare for seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients is now available all day, including during the morning peak hours.
- Children aged 5-17 (previously capped at 11 years old) can ride for $1 each on the Family Fare when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
"I think these are changes that aren't helpful to the average commuter," Long Island Rail Road rider Dya Saini said.
The MTA said the changes are necessary to help cut down on fare evasion and to give the agency the resources necessary to operate a safe and reliable transportation system.
The increases were originally scheduled to go into effect last March, but were delayed to align with the launch of the OMNY tap-to-go system on all subways and buses, including the NICE bus system.
Riders shouldn't get too used to these costs. Another fare hike is likely around the corner in March of 2027.
Interview with MTA board member Sammy Chu
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