NYC CityTicket Puts $100M Back in Riders' Pockets
MTA's $5 CityTicket program saves commuter rail riders $100 million since 2022 expansion
MTA CityTicket Saves Riders $100 Million
MTA commuter rail riders have saved more than $100 million since the CityTicket program expanded in September 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday. The $5 flat-rate fare for off-peak travel within New York City on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North has put money back in riders' pockets across the region. Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said the expansion's been a game-changer for customers traveling during off-peak hours.
Program Expands 18-Year Discount Initiative
The CityTicket program originally launched in 2004 as a weekend-only discount fare option for LIRR and Metro-North riders traveling within city limits. The September 2022 expansion extended the $5 fare to all off-peak times on weekdays and all day on weekends, making commuter rail more accessible for intra-city travel. Transit officials said the program addresses longstanding criticism that commuter rail fares were prohibitively expensive compared to subway fares for similar distances. The expansion represents a fare equity initiative aimed at making the system work for more riders.
Flat $5 Fare Replaces Higher Zone-Based Pricing
The CityTicket program offers a $5 flat rate for off-peak trips within New York City, replacing the traditional zone-based fare structure that could cost significantly more. Rob Free, President of MTA Long Island Rail Road, said CityTicket's opened up new possibilities for Long Islanders to explore the city affordably. Catherine Rinaldi, President of MTA Metro-North Railroad, said Metro-North customers have embraced the program. The $100 million in savings represents combined benefits to both LIRR and Metro-North customers, though officials didn't break down the figures by individual rail line.
Three Years to Reach Savings Milestone
The program reached the $100 million savings milestone approximately three years after the September 2022 expansion launch. Officials didn't provide specific ridership statistics showing how many CityTicket trips riders have taken since the expansion. Governor Hochul said the program's delivering on the promise of affordable, accessible public transit for New Yorkers. The announcement demonstrates the program's success in encouraging more people to use commuter rail for intra-city travel.
Riders Benefit from Continued Discount Access
The CityTicket program continues to offer the $5 off-peak fare for riders traveling within New York City on LIRR and Metro-North. Whether it's trips to museums, sporting events, or visiting family, the discounted fare makes commuter rail an economical option for city travel. Officials said the program demonstrates the MTA's commitment to making transit work for everyone. Riders can check Moovit for real-time LIRR and Metro-North schedules and CityTicket availability during off-peak hours.
