Senator Phillips Unveils Online Petition to Cut LIRR Fares During Penn Station Rebuild

Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) is inviting local commuters to join her in calling for reduced LIRR fares during the Penn Station rehabilitation project that will significantly disrupt LIRR service.  Senator Phillips set up a petition on her website, phillips.nysenate.gov, which residents can sign to join the fight for lower fares.

“Penn Station is a total disaster for LIRR riders right now.  On top of that, they are going to deal with major service disruptions all summer long because of this construction project.  Charging riders the same price for less service is wrong; if service is going to get cut, fares should get cut too.  It’s time to be fair and cut LIRR fares,” said Senator Phillips, a former LIRR commuter who spent more than 20 years taking the train to Manhattan.     

Numerous infrastructure failures at Penn Station over the last several weeks have caused major delays and cancellations for LIRR riders.  Amtrak, Penn Station’s owner and operator, announced plans to undertake a major rehabilitation project this summer to address the station’s infrastructure issues.  The project is expected to result in several tracks being taken out of service and cause significant impacts to LIRR service.

Earlier this month, Senator Phillips called on Amtrak to fund fare cuts for LIRR riders during the construction.  Senator Phillips has also urged the MTA to take steps to minimize the impact to LIRR riders during the construction, provide service alternatives and improve communication with passengers.

Commuters who agree that LIRR fares should be reduced can sign the petition by clicking here.