LIRR ticket changes, suicide prevention

LIRR ticket changes rattle riders

For over 18 years I have commuted back and forth to Manhattan by the Long Island Rail Road for work. Fare hikes almost always have seemed arbitrary and confusing, especially since there’s not much evidence of improvements. Many trains still have cloudy, opaque windows, stained floors, and chewed gum stuck to the sides of the seats. But this new fare hike in particular, which includes a ludicrous onboard ticket purchase fee (after warnings) and quickly expiring and difficult-to-refund tickets, is entirely absurd and an insult to loyal passengers “LIRR begins $8 onboard ticket fee,” News, Jan. 10]. And the reasoning for it just doesn’t pass the sniff test. Conductors get through their ticket-check process with relative ease and with only occasional complications. And saying this is an attempt to curb fare evaders is nice, but causing difficulty for regular customers to accomplish this goal is counterproductive and foolishly punitive. It also should not be the fault of the riders if a conductor does not check tickets on a train. Let’s hope enough people speak out and the LIRR reconsiders these new greedy and unfair changes.

— David Shaw, Valley Stream

The new policy of the LIRR on their ticket fees and purchasing a ticket, having to scramble to buy and activate, is unbelievable.

My friends and I have decided to cancel our subscriptions to Broadway plays, concerts, and all shows in New York City to avoid taking the LIRR. Being seniors and retired it’s now too much of a hassle to go into the city under these conditions. We decided Long Island has wonderful plays, shows, and concerts and many fine restaurants to dine at. Why go into the city any longer?

We used to buy the 10-trip ticket, which is no longer available, to save money and time in advance.

One of my friends purchased a ticket Jan. 4 to visit a relative who lives in the city. He bought and validated his ticket. Just before the train arrived he was struck with a nosebleed and decided to go home, losing his money and not being able to use the ticket the following week. From now on he has decided to go to the city he will park on the streets of Jamaica Estates and take the 179th Street subway into the city. This will save him $12 each way.

Under this new policy I see the LIRR losing more money than gaining.

— Joseph Rella, Farmingdale

Saturday’s cover said, “Commuters unhappy with $8 surcharges for last-minute tickets, activations.” Translation: “Commuters mad that they can’t cheat anymore by doing late ticket activations.” Transparent hypocrites are funny.

— Drew Oringer, Syosset

As a practicing podiatrist who treats senior citizens and other patients with handicaps, I am deeply concerned about some of the new LIRR fare rules. Forcing seniors or physically challenged individuals to activate their mobile phone tickets while standing on the platform before they enter the train, where they can sit down, could lead to potential falls and serious injuries. This would be worse during times when the platforms and staircases are crowded. These rules might prevent some fare scoffers, but if they lead to even one serious injury, is it worth it? The authorities should weigh what they might save against what they will lose if passengers with imbalances or other handicaps fall, and initiate litigation against the railroad. I urge the powers that be at our railroad to modify this aspect of the fare changes before someone gets hurt.

— Elliot Udell, Huntington

The writer is a podiatrist in Hicksville.

Every day is a gift

During the pandemic, I was a customer service rep at a Long Island cemetery. It was a difficult time to begin with, made worse with people dying by suicide [“Adopt this suicide prevention approach,” Opinion, Jan. 7]. I came across the following quote, “suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” No matter the extent of the problem, please seek help. Talk it out. Pray on it. Think of your family. Think of your children. Think of your friends. And think of how every day is a gift that you get to unwrap.

— Chris Viola-Weiss, Oceanside