MTA Intensifies Crackdown on LIRR Ticket Evasion
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is implementing strict measures to combat ticket evasion, drawing mixed reactions from passengers. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has introduced new policies aimed at reducing fare evasion on its commuter lines.
MTA’s New Ticketing Policies
Previously, travelers could easily evade ticket checks by changing seats or hiding in restrooms. However, those days are coming to an end under new MTA regulations. Tickets purchased via the app must be activated before the train departs. Otherwise, riders face an $8 penalty for late activation.
Passenger Reactions
The new policies have not been well-received by some passengers. Complaints have arisen about the fairness of fines for late ticket activation. One LIRR rider expressed frustration by stating, “They charged me $8 for being late. That’s not-I can’t see how that’s fair.” Another commuter shared their concern, noting that forgetting to activate a ticket could lead to unfair penalties.
- Unused tickets previously valid for 60 days now expire within hours.
- Passengers must activate tickets immediately to avoid penalties.
- A $46 million estimate in lost revenue due to fare evasion was reported in 2024.
Tackling Fare Evasion
The MTA faces ongoing challenges in controlling fare evasion. Recent statistics indicate that the agency lost approximately $46 million in unpaid ticket revenue on commuter lines last year. Increased enforcement is part of the strategy to address this issue.
Focus on “Restroom Riders”
The MTA Chairman, Janno Lieber, has acknowledged problems with “restroom riders,” who strategically use bathrooms to avoid ticket checks. He stated that conductors are increasingly monitoring this behavior. Despite the new policies, the issue of fare evasion remains complex, and riders may still feel justified in their actions.
As fares increase, the MTA will need to find effective ways to balance enforcement and maintain ridership on the LIRR.
