Smokers mostly OK with LIRR's wider ban

A new smoking ban that MTA police began enforcing at Long Island Rail Road stations Wednesday drew little criticism from passengers in Hicksville.

Andrew Solomon, 27, a New York City resident visiting his girlfriend, said he wasn't aware of the ban, which expands no-smoking areas to cover outdoor platforms and waiting areas.

"It's not a problem," Solomon said as he alternated between puffing on a cigarette and sipping coffee. "There are kids up on the platform, and people shouldn't be smoking there anyway."

There was no immediate word on the number of summonses issued Wednesday. MTA said an initial report on enforcement of the new ban won't be available for several days.

There were few people on the elevated platforms in Hicksville Wednesday morning, with most passengers escaping a chilly drizzle in a downstairs waiting room.

Berke Tahirgili, 32, a financial analyst from Bethpage, said the expanded ban has left smokers like herself frustrated.

"You can't even smoke in the parks in Manhattan anymore. You can't smoke on subway platforms, and not on the Long Island Rail Road when you're outdoors, elevated," she said.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, parent agency of the LIRR, said enforcement began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and was carried out by MTA police during regular patrols. Violators face a $50 fine and up to 30 days in jail -- or both.