Earlier this month, the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that commuters taking the Metro-North and Long Island Railroad (LIRR) will encounter new ticketing policies in the New Year.
Beginning on January 4, 2026, not only will the prices for the Metro-North and LIRR increase up to 4.5%, but commuters will also face a fine if they don’t activate their tickets before boarding or if they need to purchase a ticket onboard.
“The surcharge for tickets purchased onboard from a conductor will increase by $2,” the MTA announced in the press release. “There will be an equivalent surcharge for tickets purchased or activated onboard using the TrainTime app.”…