MTA launches pilot program to bring commuters back with affordable rates

The MTA says the OMNY program is going to be the cheapest rate for those who don't know when they are going into work because of COVID or for essential workers who need to go into work every day.

News 12 Staff

Feb 7, 2022, 11:29 PM

Updated 943 days ago

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The MTA is launching a pilot fare program that it says is more affordable, flexible and fair to get commuters back on the trains.
The transit authority's new OMNY pilot program launches Feb. 28 and gives promotion fares designed to encourage ridership.
The cost of a monthly ticket for Long Island Rail Road riders will be reduced by 10%.
"You're getting a similar discount for what you would get if you had a monthly ticket, but you're not committed to the whole 30 days," says LIRR Commuter Council Chairman Gerard Bringmann.
Those who don't use all their rides will have their tickets extended into the following month.
The MTA says the OMNY program is going to be the cheapest rate for those who don't know when they are going into work because of COVID or for essential workers who need to go into work every day.
Didi is a daily commuter and says she thinks it will get more people to start taking the railroad again.
"I mean the gas prices have gone up and the look of traffic on the roads, so people go more on trains and buses also," Didi says.
The MTA is also offering discounts for subway fares.
Sara Meyer, the MTA chief customer officer, says those coming on the subway would be charged the standard $2.75 for their first 12 trips starting every Monday. Any trips after that will be free up until the following the Sunday.
The MTA will start selling these tickets on Feb. 25, and the effective date of the tickets would be March 1.