LIRR commuters have the chance Monday to voice their opinions at a public hearing on MTA rate hikes without leaving their homes.

The MTA is holding its first "Webinar," which is an online forum. The agency is seeking input on a proposed LIRR and Metro-North railroad rate hike of about 3.85 percent. The agency is also looking to raise tolls.

The MTA plans to keep New York City bus and subway fares steady at $2. Initial plans for rate hikes there were met with harsh criticism. Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-N.Y.) eventually intervened to keep those fares low.

The state Senate Republican delegation plans to send another letter to MTA Executive Director Elliot Sander and Spitzer Monday requesting that they withdraw the increase.

Former MTA Board member Larry Silverman also feels the increase is too much. "Over the past 10 years, Long Island Rail Road riders have seen almost a 40 percent increase already," said Silverman. "This will bring it over that."

The online forum begins at 12 p.m. and participants must register on the Web site.

The MTA will vote on the rate hike Dec. 19.

Related information:MTA: Webinar