Correction: This story was updated at 4:22 p.m. on Jan. 7 to clarify that the discounted rates apply to guests of monthly ticket holders.
The MTA is starting its Metro-North and LIRR Winter Weekend discount program for guests of monthly ticket holders this weekend – an effort to encourage the use of mass transit as congestion pricing begins to take its toll on commuters.
The guest ticket price? $1 each way.
“Monthly Metro-North riders know that the railroad is the most reliable, fastest and safest way to travel,” said Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi. “Whether it’s a winter excursion upstate or a trip into the iconic Grand Central, we’ve made your experience even more affordable with steep discounts for family and friends.”
The discounted rates only apply to up to two guests of monthly ticket holders on Saturdays and Sundays starting this weekend, but can be used to go anywhere Metro-North and LIRR trains travel.
The MTA’s goal is to encourage people to use mass transit instead of personal vehicles, primarily to and from Manhattan with the advent of the controversial congestion pricing plan.
The first-in-the-nation program, which goes into effect on Jan. 5, was enacted by Gov. Kathy Hochul and charges drivers to pass through what’s called the congestion relief zone. Cars that enter Manhattan anywhere south of 60th Street will be tolled – the price depending on the time of day, type of vehicle, whether crossing credits apply, and the method of payment.
The new toll is in effect from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, according to the MTA. Drivers will pay $2.25 outside of peak hours.
The revenue will be added to the MTA’s capital budget for much-needed transit upgrades.
Hochul had originally given the green light to a $15 toll for regular cars starting June 30, 2024, then blocked the program’s implementation in an 11th hour about-face the day before the program was supposed to start. She then signed off on a plan in mid-November to phase in the $15 toll slowly – first by starting with a $9 peak hour price for regular cars, then increasing it to $12 in 2028, and $15 by 2031.
Congestion pricing aims to reduce traffic and pollution in Manhattan. But at least 10 lawsuits have been filed against it, including a last-ditch effort by New Jersey officials. Although none of the suits have yet to stop the plan, the Jan. 5 implementation could still be delayed depending on the outcome of Friday’s court hearing in New Jersey.
Metro-North tickets between Rye and Grand Central Terminal cost $14.25 during peak times and $10.50 for off-peak hours. The Winter Weekend discounted guest ticket prices are available starting Jan. 4 through the end of March.