MTA approves discount fares for city LIRR riders, 4% hike for Long Islanders

The MTA has approved a fare plan that cuts prices for city riders using the LIRR while Long Islanders are facing an increase.



Under the NYC Outer Borough Rail Discount Plan, fares for city riders will be cut by up to 20 percent. Long Islanders are set to pay 4 percent more for LIRR fares next year.



Residents say the pricing is unfair since they already pay more than city riders.

"I don't think that's fair at all," says Nicole Sherrill, of Wheatley Heights. "I think they need to do it for everyone."



The MTA ratified the plan, which was mandated by the state Legislature despite concerns from some board members who questioned the fairness. The discount is a condition of the Legislature's congestion pricing plan.

MTA board member Neal Zuckerman says the plan places an unacceptable burden on riders in Suffolk and Dutchess counties.



The MTA says the discount will be subsidized using funds from the congestion pricing plan. MTA officials also say this is a pilot program that will last between six months and a year.