Even if the MTA hikes approved Wednesday take effect on June 1, there are still ways to commute on a budget. Long Island Rail Road commuters say they?re not looking forward to shelling out more cash for their commutes. However, Peter Haynes, of the LIRR Commuter Campaign, says there are other options.

Forget the trains, Haynes says, carpooling is more cost-effective. If two or more drivers pool their commute budgets, they can cover the costs of a lot of gas, parking and car maintenance.

If driving isn't an option, there?s the option of zone jumping. For example, a monthly LIRR pass from a station closer to the city costs less than from a destination farther away. If someone who lives in Mastic-Shirley can take the train from the Ronkonkoma station instead, they?d pay less.

Also, for riders who don't take the train to the city very often, try not traveling during rush-hour or peak hours. Tickets for off-peak travel cost less. There?s also the commuter tax benefit available through employers. Companies involved take pre-tax dollars out of employees? paychecks to cover transit costs. Commuters can save up to $230 a month.