Nassau State Senators United Against MTA Rate and Ticket Hikes Submit Comments to the MTA

(Mineola, New York) – Today, New York State Senators Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Jack Martins, and Steve Rhoads sent a letter, along with colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference, to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Government and Community Relations office blasting the rate and ticket policy changes proposed by the transit authority on July 30, 2025. The rate increases and automatic ticket activation are just another way for the MTA to rely on residents of Long Island to make up for their reckless spending.

“The proposed fare and toll hikes for New York City Transit, Long Island Railroad, Metro-North, and Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority services are a slap in the face to commuters who have already been hit with increased costs from the Congestion Pricing scheme. The MTA, elected officials, and advocates for Congestion Pricing argued that New York City commuters could “just take transit” and now that the shift has been made and ridership on the commuter rails and subways have increased, these same people are trying to take more money out of their pocket by increasing fares. Governor Hochul even suspended the implementation of Congestion Pricing in June of 2024 due to “affordability concerns” and now Congestion Pricing has been implemented with planned toll increases over the coming years and fares are being increased now. What has changed over this short period of time?” the letter reads.

“Yet again, the MTA is turning to hardworking Long Islanders to pay for its failures. The MTA is projected to receive billions of dollars from congestion pricing and now they want more? These fare hikes and ticket restrictions do nothing to meaningfully improve service or provide for improvements to infrastructure. They simply cover up years of reckless spending and mismanagement. Our communities deserve accountability and responsible leadership, like the forensic audit we requested years ago,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, 9th Senate District.

“We were told the MTA was supposed to get better with Congestion Pricing.  That $9 fee to drive into Manhattan was sold as an “investment in public transit,” which begs the question: why are we being asked to pay even more now? By its own estimates, the MTA loses $700 million annually in fare evasion, the overwhelming majority on buses and subways, not on commuter rails.  Before asking fare-paying LIRR riders to cover the gap again, the MTA might try actually collecting those fares first,” said Senator Jack Martins, 7th Senate District. 

“The MTA's proposed rate hike is another slap in the face to Long Island commuters.  On the heels of Congestion Pricing, staggering structural and operating deficits and annual State bailouts, Governor Hochul and Albany Democrats are nothing more than enablers to a mismanaged authority, addicted to spending and apparently accountable to no one. The MTA's included proposal to cut one-way ticket expirations from 60 days to just 4 hours with no refunds, is a disgusting reflection of the lack of respect the MTA continues to display for hard-working Long Islanders who rely upon the LIRR to get to work and contribute to the New York City economy.  I again renew my calls for a forensic audit of the MTA and for the removal of Janno Lieber as Chair and CEO,” said Senator Steve Rhoads, 5th Senate District.

“Time and again, the MTA has steadfastly refused to take a look under the hood at their exorbitant expenses, and has instead relied on imposing ever higher costs on their riders. The MTA’s costs and expenses continue to be the highest compared to comparable domestic and international transit systems,” the letter continues.

Last month, the MTA once again proposed another fare hike, aiming to increase weekly and monthly LIRR fares by approximately 4.5%, while other tickets could see a hike of up to 8%. Furthermore, ticket validity will be reduced from 60 days to just four hours after purchase.

It was reported in the New York Post round-trip tickets will be discontinued in favor of a new “Day Pass.” Furthermore, riders who delay purchasing or activating their mobile tickets until a conductor’s inspection will be penalized with a $2 fee.

“Instead of continually passing the buck, and shifting costs onto the commuters of the region, it's time to pump the brakes and instead take a serious look at why the MTA has such high costs, and take active steps to make living in New York more affordable,” concluded the letter.

The delegation will continue fighting alongside their colleagues in Albany against the unfair financial burden placed on their constituents by the MTA and to preserve the way of life which their constituents value. The Senate Republican Conference will submit comments in an effort to fight against fare hikes and protect New Yorker’s hard earned dollars— and you can help.

If you’re interested in using your voice to take a stand against the money pit that is the MTA, you can visit: