NYC Commuter Rails Reward Riders With Summer Discounts
Monthly pass holders on LIRR and Metro-North to receive Saturday fare discounts this summer
LIRR, Metro-North Add Summer Saturday Discounts
Monthly pass holders on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad will get discounted Saturday fares this summer under a returning program announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The Summer Saturday initiative rewards regular commuters with reduced weekend rates, though officials didn't specify the exact discount amount or program dates. The announcement came July 2 from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Program Rewards Regular Riders
The discount program targets monthly ticket holders who use the commuter rails for weekday work trips, giving them added value on weekend travel. "Summer Saturdays are back, giving our hardworking commuters a well-deserved break on weekend fares," Hochul said in the announcement. The program ran in previous years and is being reinstated to make weekend trips more affordable during summer months. Transit agencies commonly use fare incentives like this to reward loyal customers and encourage off-peak travel, according to industry practice.
Details and Eligibility
Monthly pass holders on both LIRR and Metro-North will be eligible for the Saturday discounts throughout the summer season. "We're thrilled to bring back Summer Saturdays for our monthly customers," said Janno Lieber, MTA chair and CEO. Rob Free, LIRR president, said the program makes weekend travel "more affordable and convenient for our monthly pass holders." Officials haven't released specific discount percentages or the exact start and end dates for the program. Catherine Rinaldi, Metro-North president, said the discounts "give our loyal monthly customers even more value from their passes."
Implementation Timeline
The Summer Saturday discounts will take effect on Saturdays during summer 2025, though the MTA didn't provide specific start and end dates in its announcement. Officials typically release detailed fare information closer to program implementation. The agency said additional details about the discount structure will be announced before the program begins.
What Riders Need to Know
The discounts apply only to riders with valid monthly passes on LIRR or Metro-North, making weekend trips to beaches, city attractions, or Hudson Valley destinations more economical. Officials said the program encourages public transit use while reducing traffic congestion. Riders can check Moovit for real-time schedule information and trip planning on both commuter rail systems throughout the summer season.
