By STUART KLATZ
Two days before a monthly ticket to Manhattan, Brooklyn or Hunterspoint Avenue in Queens was scheduled to rise from $154 to $192, regular passengers on the Long Island Rail Road voiced their displeasure as they headed in to work.
"As usual, the people most affected are going to be those who live from paycheck to paycheck," said state worker Kathy Boyle. "The problem is that the MTA is a politically appointed board. They were not elected by the people in the same way that we elect politicians."
Among the hikes, a weekly ticket has been raised from $48 to $61, and a one-way ride to Penn Station during peak hours will now costs $8.75. Even senior citizens and disabled people will be paying higher fares.
"This increase, coupled with my rent in Long Beach, might force me to move closer to my job," said one commuter, a manager at Macy's Herald Square store, as he rushed to board his train.
In addition to higher costs for service, the railroad is also increasing the penalty for purchasing a ticket aboard a train. It will now cost riders an average of $3 more if they don't take advantage of ticket machines or offices that are open a half-hour prior to scheduled departures. The LIRR is also eliminating the "forgotten ticket policy." Monthly customers who forget their tickets must now be prepared to pay the higher on-board fare and will no longer be entitled to a refund for the additional fare.
"The trains are still dirty and there's been a drop-off in service," said Rich, who was on his way to his job in Manhattan as a recruiter. "It's consistent with what's going on in corporate America."
Last week, it appeared that travelers might be given a reprieve when State Comptroller Alan Hevesi revealed that the MTA had not disclosed the existence of funds that could have delayed the fare increase for at least a year. Despite cries for a repeal, the increase will take place as planned.
At a public hearing in February, Long Beach City Manager Harold Porr told MTA officials that the fare increase for Long Beach's 3,000 New York City commuters was too steep, and could affect the volume of travel in both directions. "We have a strong tourist-driven aspect to our economy," Porr said. "The fact is that increased fares mean decreased recreational riders."
Porr also lamented the increases facing bus and subway riders. Once they reach New York City, riders will have to fork over more money for further transportation. This will raise the price of a monthly commute to well over $200.
"It's still better than driving," said Ralph, who works in TV broadcasting. "But they should at least tell us where the money is going."
An employee of the LIRR at the Long Beach station said that he was not allowed to comment on the fare increase, but pointed out a nearby LIRR community-relations representative. She, however, did not have much to add. "Who gave you permission to be here?" she said when approached by a reporter. "This is railroad property and you need authorization."
Meanwhile, the clock continued to tick toward May 1.
Keith Grant contributed to this story.
