MTA Makes Decision On Refunds For LIRR Ticket Holders

LONG ISLAND, NY — Following a weekend-long Long Island Rail Road strike, commuters are raising questions about refunds and voicing frustrations over fares and service disruptions.

Monthly ticket prices can range anywhere from $96 to $487.75, depending on the LIRR station and fare zone.

MTA told Patch that commuters should expect some form of reimbursement.

"We intend to issue prorated refunds to May monthly ticket holders for each business day that service was suspended due to the strike, pending approval from the MTA board," MTA officials said.

Although the MTA said they are still working on the details, "the $10 refund fee will be waived."

Electronic ticket holders should expect automatic refunds, but for those with a paper ticket, the MTA said they have to submit a request themselves.

At the beginning of this year, on Jan. 4, MTA increased fares and began enforcing new policies for the LIRR.

Monthly and weekly tickets increased by up to 4.5 percent across the LIRR, and all other ticket types will increase by up to 8 percent.

There was a shrinking of the validity window for one-way tickets, which now expire at 4 a.m. the following day. An onboard surcharge is to help dissuade fare evaders, those who repeatedly show a pattern of purchasing or activating a ticket after boarding the railroad, according to the MTA.

Long Islanders said they have faced issues with MTA's fare policies and taking the LIRR in general.

A commuter previously told Patch that the new policies, such as activating a ticket on the train, feel unnecessary, especially with the increased fare prices.

"I'm always going to pay my fare, but activating my ticket on the train gives me a sense of security that I made it to the right train and direction," the commuter said. "It seems like a money grab."

West Hempstead resident Carrie Campis previously told Patch that she wants to be able to commute easily, without LIRR disruptions, such as strikes and unsafe conditions, like electrical fire halting trains.

"I pay $264 a month to ride the LIRR," she said. "24 years and these last few years are the worst it has ever been."

More details will be posted on MTA's website at a later date, MTA said.