CityTicket program reaches milestone, saving 0 million, according to Governor Hochul.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) CityTicket program, designed to provide discounted fares for commuter rail riders within New York City’s five boroughs, has surpassed a significant milestone. According to Governor Kathy Hochul, the initiative has saved straphangers over 0 million since its inception. This program aims to enhance accessibility to rail services for residents, particularly in underserved areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Governor Hochul highlighted the essential role of the CityTicket in transforming transportation for city residents, stating that previously, high fare rates hindered access to high-quality rail services. The initiative has reportedly attracted millions of new riders, facilitating a shift from automobiles to dependable rail transport, particularly to and from Manhattan.

The CityTicket program allows commuters to travel on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or Metro-North Railroads at a fare of for peak hours and during off-peak times, as long as their journeys begin and end within the city’s boundaries. The program, which initially started as a pilot scheme in January 2004, underwent a significant expansion in March 2022 to include all off-peak trains, resulting in the sale of approximately 37.2 million CityTickets since then. Furthermore, peak-hour train service was integrated into the program in 2023, enhancing the options available to riders.

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber described the CityTicket program as a resounding success. He pointed out that providing affordable and reliable public transit is crucial in addressing the overall affordability crisis faced by many New Yorkers, particularly those living outside of Manhattan.

The inception of the CityTicket can be traced back to 2001 when it was proposed by the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA and began as a weekend-only fare in 2004. Current PCAC Executive Director Lisa Daglian expressed approval of the program’s success, noting that its expansion to 24/7 availability significantly benefits individuals living in areas lacking subway access. Additionally, she mentioned ongoing advocacy efforts for the introduction of a weekly CityTicket option, coupled with free transfers to the New York City subway system.

In comparison, a similar ticket option designed for LIRR riders, known as the Atlantic Ticket, was discontinued earlier in 2023. As the CityTicket program solidifies its position within the MTA’s offerings, its continued evolution reflects an ongoing commitment to enhancing public transportation accessibility for all New Yorkers.

For further updates and information on the MTA’s services and fare structures, please refer to the Media News Source.