Unlocking Access to Commuter Rail (Metro-North and LIRR)

Metro-North and the Long Island Railroad operate rail service through New York City, but don’t serve city residents effectively. Commuter rail fares are inequitable (for example, a ticket from Hollis, Queens to Penn Station is $10.75 compared to the subway and bus fare of $2.75). And train schedules prioritize suburban peak hour commuters. As a result, many neighborhoods in Queens and the Bronx have poor rail access to Manhattan.These issues formed the basis of the Fall 2018 New York City Comptroller Report “Expanding Access in One Swipe,” which called for more frequent service and lower commuter-rail fares for trips within city limits. Since the report was released, Metro-North has added service at Fordham University, allowing Bronx residents to access the benefits of commuter rail. Assemblywoman Nily Rozic has also successfully lobbied to lower LIRR fares for residents of her district. But these changes are only the tip of the iceberg.Projects like East Side Access promise to increase NYC commuter rail capacity. How can policymakers ensure that these upgrades are accompanied by service patterns and fare reductions that provide greater transit access where it’s needed most? Join us for the first installment in our series about making commuter rail work better for cities.

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Assembly District 25

Adam Forman, Chief Policy and Data Officer at the Office of the New York City Comptroller

Natasha Saunders, Member leader at Riders Alliance

Moderator:

Steven Higashide, Research Director at TransitCenter

Event is free and open to the public. Children are welcome. Appetizers and refreshments to be served.