'What are we getting for the extra cost?' LIRR riders say they're unhappy about MTA fare increases
The cost for a monthly LIRR ticket increased by 4.5%, and all other ticket prices increased by 8%.
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Many Long Island Rail Road riders and commuters say they aren’t happy with the MTA fare increases and ticket policy changes went into effect Sunday morning.
“The congestion pricing in Manhattan was supposed to keep prices down,” said Anthony Abbruzzese, of Hicksville. “It's supposed to improve service. And here we are at the beginning of the year with prices going up.”
The cost for a monthly LIRR ticket increased by 4.5%, and all other ticket prices increased by 8%.
Hicksville resident Rachel Gilchriest says she doesn’t have a car, so she relies on public transportation.
RELATED: MTA fare increase and ticket policy changes go into effect Sunday: What you need to know
“It's not like they improved service. It's not like they've added trains,” Gilchriest said. “It's the same. It's the same and the prices are going up. So what are we getting for the extra cost?”
Not only are tickets more expensive, but riders must activate tickets before they get on the train to avoid additional fees. Jordan Romano, of Kings Park, says he got a warning via email Sunday morning.
“I got an email that said we noticed that you activated your ticket late. And if you do this a lot, they they'll kick you out of the app, which is silly,” Romano said.
Tickets now expire at 4 a.m. the day after purchase. There is no more round-trip option, so LIRR customers will need to buy an unlimited day pass.
For a full list of changes, visit the MTA website.
