Fares For Diverted LIRR Trains To Be Discounted An Average 25 Percent, MTA Says

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — One day after hinting that Long Island Rail Road passengers may see discounted fares on trains diverted from Penn Station this summer, the MTA has confirmed plans to reduce fares.

While Amtrak conducts repair work that will take Penn Station tracks out of commission LIRR riders that opt to travel to Atlantic Terminal or Hunterspoint instead will see an average discount of 25 percent. The fare reductions will begin July 10 and last until Amtrak finishes its summer construction work.

"Gov. Cuomo has asked us to provide greater value to our customers while Amtrak conducts repairs this summer. In response we’re adding to the mitigation measures we’ve already announced by providing a discount that will give customers who travel to key transportation hubs an average discount of 25 percent," MTA Interim Director Ronnie Hakim said in a statement. "We believe that this move will mitigate the inconvenience that our customers may experience, and have the added benefit of drawing customers away from Penn Station while Amtrak performs repair work."

The reduced fares will apply to monthly, weekly and daily tickets, the MTA announced. Discounts will also apply to passengers heading to the Long Island City, Nostrand Avenue and East New York stations.

While paying 25 percent less is nice, riders will still be forced to travel to a second-choice station. The MTA hopes to make it up to riders by providing free transfers to the New York City subway system during the morning rush hour, it announced Tuesday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for the fare reductions Monday while celebrating the opening of Penn Station's new West Concourse — part of the larger Moynihan Train Hall project.

Last week, the MTA revealed its four-part plan to aid Long Island Rail Road commuters this summer as Amtrak conducts construction work at Penn Station.
The MTA plans to:

1. Increase rush hour capacity by modifying train schedules and lengthening trains
2. Launch bus and ferry services as alternative options for commuting into Manhattan
3. Reduce congestion on roadways into Manhattan
4. Launch a "robust public awareness campaign."

Read more about the MTA's plan here.

Photo by Mary Altaffer/Associated Press