MTA Cracks Down on LIRR Fare Evasion with New Policies

Strict new measures have some riders unhappy about expiring tickets and penalties

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Long Island Rail Road has implemented new policies to combat fare evasion, including tickets expiring within hours and penalties for activating mobile tickets late. While the MTA says the crackdown is necessary to address an estimated $46 million in unpaid fares in 2024, some longtime commuters find the new rules unfair and burdensome.

Why it matters

Fare evasion is a major financial issue for the MTA, which operates the LIRR and other transit services in the New York City area. The new policies aim to discourage behaviors like "restroom riders" who avoid paying by hiding from conductors. However, the strict measures have drawn criticism from some passengers who feel the rules are overly punitive.

The details

Under the MTA's new policy, unused LIRR tickets now expire within hours, rather than the previous 60-day window. Tickets purchased through the app must also be activated before the train departs, with an $8 penalty for activating them later. Some riders have complained about the unfairness of these rules, especially for those who may simply forget to purchase or activate their ticket in time.

  • In 2024, the MTA estimated it lost $46 million in unpaid tickets on the commuter rail lines.
  • The MTA chairman recently spoke out about the "restroom rider" issue, saying conductors are increasingly aware of the problem.

The players

Janno Lieber

MTA Chairman, who has addressed the "restroom rider" issue.

Claudia Beck

A longtime LIRR commuter who is unhappy with the new policies.

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What they’re saying

“I honestly have taken the railroad for many, many years, and there are often times that they don't even look at your ticket. If I don't take this train, it expires in an hour. So, if I miss this train, I would have to buy another ticket, which I think is really unfair for the rider.”

— Claudia Beck, Longtime LIRR commuter (abc7ny.com)

What’s next

The MTA chairman has indicated that conductors are increasing their awareness and attention to the "restroom rider" issue, suggesting further enforcement efforts may be forthcoming.

The takeaway

The MTA's crackdown on LIRR fare evasion, while aimed at addressing a significant financial loss, has drawn criticism from some commuters who feel the new policies are overly punitive and burdensome. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing transit agency revenue needs with passenger convenience and fairness.