LI commuters face higher costs as MTA raises LIRR, bus and subway fares

MTA fare and toll increases took effect Sunday across the LIRR, Nassau buses, city subways and bridge/tunnel crossings. The MTA says the additional revenue will support safe, fair and reliable service.

The MTA implemented a package of fare and toll changes that took effect Sunday and affect Long Island and New York City transit users. The changes cover the Long Island Rail Road, Nassau Inter-County Express buses, New York City subways and buses, and bridge and tunnel tolls, and are accompanied by shifts in ticketing such as the MetroCard phaseout in favor of OMNY. MTA officials have said the revenue from the changes is needed to maintain safe, fair and reliable service and cited fare evasion as one factor considered. Some local officials and riders publicly criticized the increases. What happened: - The MTA put new fares and tolls into effect Sunday for commuter rail, local buses, city subways and bridges/tunnels. - The agency described the revenue as needed to fund safe, fair and reliable service and noted fare evasion as a contributing factor. - Local officials and some riders criticized the changes, and no further procedural steps or reversals were announced. Summary: Long Island commuters are facing higher transit and toll costs after the MTA implemented the new fares and ticketing rules, and the agency says the changes will help fund operations and address fare evasion. Local leaders and riders have expressed criticism. Undetermined at this time.