The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the return of Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad “Summer Saturday” discount programs that enable monthly ticketholders to travel anywhere the railroads go and bring friends or family for just $1 each.
The Summer Saturday discount program returns as the Authority is set to implement Congestion Relief Zone tolling at the end of June. It is one of the series of efforts the MTA has made to encourage new customers to use the transit system, which also includes enhancing service on eleven different subway lines, increasing service on buses, and reducing fares for monthly railroad ticketholders within the five boroughs.
On Saturdays, beginning July 6 through August 31, both railroads will honor all monthly tickets for travel to and from all stations within the LIRR or Metro-North Railroad regardless of what stations are printed on the ticket. Monthly ticket holders traveling Saturdays will also be able to bring up to two additional travelers for only $1 per person each way. Promotional $1 tickets can be purchased via the TrainTime app under Family Fares or on board without incurring an extra charge.
“The return of the Summer Saturdays means LIRR customers, and their families, can access all of what Long Island has to offer this summer at a great price,” said LIRR President Robert Free. “Taking the train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the City and the Island. Skip the traffic and ride the rails to your favorite Long Island destinations.”
“We’re thrilled to announce the return of Summer Saturdays to Metro-North Railroad. It’s a great way for customers to explore the great trails, museums and more that the Hudson Valley and Connecticut have to offer,” said Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi. “Bring the whole family on your next Metro-North trip this summer!”
There will be no cross-honoring of these discounted tickets between the railroads, meaning LIRR customers cannot use their monthly tickets to travel on Metro-North, and vice versa. Three Montauk Branch LIRR trains and one Ronkonkoma train and its Greenport connection are exempt from the program: the 7:13 a.m., 8:13 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. trains from Jamaica to Montauk, the 7:58 a.m. train from Grand Central Madison to Ronkonkoma and its connection, the 9:27 a.m. train from Ronkonkoma to Greenport.