Lupinacci to Introduce LIRR "Rider Rebate" Bill

Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R, C,I, Ref.-South Huntington) released the following statement regarding the continuing delays, cancellations and car overcrowding on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) as the “summer of hell” begins:

Long Island commuters deserve better. Every day, LIRR riders are becoming more and more frustrated with poor service. As we enter into the “summer of hell,” which is expected to further inconvenience riders, the future looks grim.

Last month, I stood in solidarity with these frustrated riders and called on the Governor to utilize a portion of his discretionary funds to reimburse LIRR riders. I also called on the MTA LIRR President to reduce fares for Long Island’s commuters. After three weeks with no response from either Governor Cuomo or MTA LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski, it is time for me and my legislative colleagues to take matters into our own hands.

It is with that in mind that I am introducing a bill which will propose a rebate for LIRR riders who have been held hostage to this unsatisfactory service. A rebate, which equates to 25 percent off the monthly fare, would offer meaningful relief for commuters’ wallets. If the entire LIRR is going to be affected by this construction, it is only appropriate that we compensate all who rely on the train for their livelihoods.

It was recently reported in Newsday that “some” LIRR fares are to be reduced during construction periods at the world’s busiest railroad hub, Penn Station. This, however, led many constituents who rely on the LIRR daily to ask, “what about the rest of us?”

This proposal completely disregards the concerns of thousands of Long Islanders who have been enduring cancellations, delays and train overcrowding for the past six months with no end in sight. More must be done.

This is not just a transportation issue. Delays and cancellations affect careers, when people are late to work through no fault of their own. It affects personal lives, as hard-working riders miss precious and irreplaceable time spent with their families. Poor and inconsistent LIRR service impacts the quality of life for thousands of Long Islanders. We cannot tolerate inaction any longer.

With the worst yet to come, it is time to let Long Islanders know their voices are being heard. The State of New York must respond to this LIRR madness and this bill is the first step in doing so.

Assemblyman Lupinacci represents the 10th District, which consists of parts of Suffolk County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Lupinacci’s Official Website.

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