POLL: Do You Want To See New LIRR Ticket Packages Post-Pandemic?

LONG ISLAND, NY —Changes in work and commuting patterns may soon mean changes in how Long Islanders pay for train tickets. According to one analysis, sales of monthly Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) passes are down 85% from pre-pandemic levels.

As commuters begin to travel into New York City regularly again, longer lasting changes in work patterns mean the railroad may need to offer new options for purchasing tickets.

David Lam told Patch that he used to buy a monthly pass for his commute from Bellmore to Manhattan, but now that he's going into the office once per week, he'd be interested in alternate packages.

"My pattern of tickets has definitely changed."

LIRR President Phil Eng said in a statement to Patch that new options are currently being looked at. A twenty pack could bridge the gap between the existing pack of ten tickets and monthly passes.

"As we see more and more riders return, we continue to monitor patterns and trends to see how we can best serve the needs of our existing riders while encouraging others to forgo the car as companies look to bring employees back to the workplace. Different ticketing options are being considered and eventually those options will be brought to the MTA Board for consideration."

A spokesperson for the LIRR said there is no expected timetable for an announcement about new ticket packages and that the dialogue is "ongoing."