NYS AG: Report cases of ride-hailing price gouging amid LIRR strike

Think someone is gouged you for a ride amid the Long Island Rail Road strike? The state attorney general’s office wants to know.

Newsday has written about skyrocketing fares since the strike began Saturday, including an instance of a ride-hailing company trying to charge someone $297 to get home from the airport.

On Monday, Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning about ride-hailing companies potentially price gouging and providing a way to report incidents.

"As New Yorkers face a complete shutdown of LIRR service, many are counting on rideshares, rental cars and other services to help them commute," James said in a statement Monday afternoon, about five hours before the strike ended.

"This strike is no excuse for companies to unfairly raise prices on New Yorkers," she said. "We will not tolerate price gouging, and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report illegal price hikes to my office."

James noted New York’s price gouging law covers vendors, retailers and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety and welfare of consumers or the general public. "Transportation options" are covered, her office said.

Penalties can run up to $25,000 per violation.

Consumers may report incidents by calling the AG’s hotline, 800-771-7755, or by reporting online: formsnym.ag.ny.gov/OAGOnlineSubmissionForm/faces/OAGPGCHome