The Long Island Rail Road raised fares Wednesday.
Long Island Rail Road fares are going up next year along with New York City buses and subways.
The MTA board approved Wednesday the latest fare hike that will take effect March 1. LIRR and Metro-North rail fare hikes average up to 9 percent, depending on ticket type and zone.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has said the fare hikes will help close budget gaps in the nation’s largest transit agency.
Base subway and bus fares will rise by 25 cents, to $2.50, though some paper single-ride tickets will cost $2.75. A monthly MetroCard pass will cost nearly 8 percent more, or $112.
A dozen members of the public pleaded against the fare increases. Several board members characterized the hikes as a move made necessary by insufficient state support and a lack of other revenue.
The increases are to bring in an additional $450 million a year.
The LIRR said it will establish discounts for military personnel on active duty and will extend to the evening peak period the Family Fare discount.
-With Associated Press.
