The days of parking for free at the Bay Shore LIRR station will soon be over.
Coming the first week of January are meter machines for daily parking, and yearly parking permits for frequent riders. Town of Islip officials say a yearly permit will cost $90 for residents and $200 for non-residents.
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter says the fees are in line with what other municipalities charge.
However, some commuters who spoke with News 12 weren't happy about the changes.
"The people that park here every day and go into the city, they're already paying a lot to go to the city, the monthly prices for the trains," says daily rider Desiree Gunn. "To have to pay for parking, that's just crazy."
A flier was passed out to residents at a meeting Monday, stating that the revenue would be used to make improvements at the station, including the addition of security cameras.
Officials also told the crowd that the permits would be a way to guarantee LIRR commuters a spot over a seasonal ferry crowd.
Only 325 permits have been issued so far. The fees will take effect Jan. 4.