Long Island Congresswoman Opposes MTA Fare Hikes as Burden on Commuters
A Congresswoman from Long Island is expressing strong disapproval of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) proposed fare increases for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) scheduled for 2026. Representative Laura Gillen has slammed the proposals as nothing short of a “cash grab” aimed at hardworking commuters.
Gillen’s criticism comes on the heels of the MTA’s decision to encourage more train use through congestion pricing, which has effectively pushed many drivers off the roads. However, the same commuters are now facing fare hikes that add a financial burden, raising questions about the agency’s management and priorities.
In a letter directed to MTA CEO Janno Lieber, Gillen articulated her concerns. “First, the MTA incentivized train use by imposing congestion pricing. Now, they are punishing those same riders with fare hikes, all while failing to improve service,” she stated. Many commuters, already dealing with daily challenges, are frustrated by what they see as double taxation.
The MTA’s proposed changes would increase weekly and monthly fares by approximately 4.5%, with some ticket prices rising as much as 8%. Additionally, ticket validity would be significantly reduced from 60 days to just four hours after purchase. This change has sparked outrage among riders who rely on the LIRR for daily commutes to work and school.
Furthermore, the round-trip ticket option would be replaced with a new “Day Pass,” and a penalty of $2 would be imposed on riders who wait to activate their mobile tickets until a conductor’s inspection. This initiative has drawn criticism, with Gillen labeling it a misguided approach that ignores the needs of Long Islanders facing escalating living costs.
“The MTA is, once again, seeking to drain hardworking commuters’ pockets to pay for its mismanagement,” Gillen continued. “Raising prices while maintaining such poor service is hypocritical.”
Many commuters share Gillen’s sentiments. They point to the increasingly difficult economic climate caused by rising housing, utility, and grocery costs. The proposed fare hike, in tandem with existing congestion pricing, raises significant concerns about affordability for residents of Long Island. “Forcing people to pay 4.5% to 8% more for train tickets, coupled with the congestion tax, is completely misguided and exacerbates the ongoing cost-of-living crisis,” she emphasized.
Despite requests for comment, the MTA has not responded directly to the controversy surrounding the fare hikes. In previous statements, MTA officials have defended the proposed increases as necessary and “generous.” One board member, Neal Zuckerman, even remarked that he wouldn’t classify the fare changes as a hike.
However, many riders disagree, labeling the adjustments as “stupid” and counterproductive. One frequent commuter, Jeremy Burd, expressed frustration over the elimination of round-trip tickets. “Getting rid of the round-trip option for an all-day pass makes no sense. Who needs to ride back and forth that often?” he questioned.
Residents and officials alike have raised alarms over the implications of these proposed fare hikes. Jennifer Martinez, a Long Island resident, acknowledged the rationale behind congestion pricing but questioned the MTA’s transparency regarding the distribution of funds generated by this initiative. “If they’re making all this money from congestion pricing, where is it all going?” she asked, reflecting a growing concern among constituents.
In light of these developments, local government figures, including Gillen, are calling for more oversight of the MTA. Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman and County Comptroller Elaine Phillips have publicly requested a full audit of the agency’s spending, indicating a bipartisan effort to hold the MTA accountable for its financial decisions.
As the MTA rolls out its fare hike proposals, it faces mounting tension from commuters and elected officials alike, who demand improved services and a fairer pricing structure. For many Long Islanders, the future of public transit is crucial, and the response from the MTA will likely impact the lives of thousands relying on the LIRR for their daily travel needs.
