The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is proposing significant changes to its ticketing and fare structure. Aimed at reducing fare evasion, one-way electronic tickets will now expire in just four hours instead of the current 60 days. The policy change discourages riders from waiting for conductors to activate their tickets, which allows some to ride free. This is part of a broader overhaul that includes a 4.4% fare increase and the introduction of unlimited day passes.
The proposal also eliminates round-trip tickets in favor of one-day passes, granting unlimited travel until 4 AM the following day. Additionally, a loyalty program will offer a free ticket after ten purchased e-tickets. The fare increases also extend to city buses and subways, with adult fares rising to $3, among other toll hikes on major crossings.
MTA officials stress that most riders already purchase tickets within four hours, and the changes aim to streamline operations. However, some riders express concerns about the limitations of shorter ticket validity, emphasizing disruptions to travel plans. The MTA will conduct hearings on these proposed changes before a vote this fall.
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