Between fare hikes, the loss of a beloved transit staple, route swaps, and more, it seems like NYC transit news is at an all-time high lately—and riders can barely keep up. However, the latest news regarding the LIRR and Metro North may have Long Island and Upstate travelers feeling a bit more optimistic about their commute.
The MTA has announced that a brand-new Day Pass for unlimited travel will officially replace the traditional Round-Trip ticket. It’s a notable shift, but one aimed at giving riders more flexibility and potentially more savings.
The Day Pass will be valid from the moment of purchase until 4:00 AM the following day, allowing travelers to come and go as needed without worrying about separate return tickets or timing constraints.
Even better, the pricing structure is designed to offer a break. On weekdays, the Day Pass will cost 10% less than two one-way peak tickets, making it a small but welcome discount for daily commuters. On weekends, it will be priced the same as two one-way off-peak tickets, giving riders unlimited travel for the price they’re already used to paying.
All in all, it’s a change that could make the back-and-forth a little easier—and maybe even a little cheaper—for thousands of riders.
This isn’t the only news concerning LIRR and Metro-North tickets. With last week’s announcement that subway fares are officially rising, their prices are increasing as well. Here’s what’s changing on these routes this January:
🚆 LIRR fare increases
- Monthly and weekly tickets: up to 4.5% increase
- Other ticket types: up to 8% increase
- Peak CityTicket: $7 → $7.25
- Off-Peak CityTicket: $5 → $5.25
- Far Rockaway Ticket: same as CityTicket
- Peak CityTicket and Far Rockaway Ticket will become permanent fare products
- No increases for West of Hudson lines
- Onboard ticket surcharge: +$2 (includes tickets purchased via TrainTime app)
🚄 Metro North fare increases
- Monthly and weekly tickets: up to 4.5% increase
- Other ticket types: up to 8% increase
- Peak and Off-Peak CityTicket and Far Rockaway Ticket follow the same increases as LIRR
- Onboard ticket surcharge: +$2 (includes tickets purchased via TrainTime app)
- No increases for West of Hudson lines