Public hearings on proposed LIRR fare and toll increases start this week

Public hearings on proposed LIRR fare and toll increases start this week

The Long Island Rail Road logo is shown on the side of a LIRR commuter train, Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at Long Beach branch in Long Beach, N.Y. Speaking to a meeting of the Long Island Association Wednesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said $5.6 billion in upgrades will transform the Long Island Rail Road and help make up for decades of neglect. The work will involve laying 10 miles of new track to ease congestion along the busiest part of the rail road, along with the replacement of 20 miles of aging track. Stations will be renovated, parking will be added and signal switches and other equipment will be upgraded. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Commuters can take part this week in a series of public hearings about the MTA proposals to hike transit fares by around 4% and tolls by as much as 10%.

The MTA is also hosting four hybrid public hearings from its headquarters at 2 Broadway in Manhattan. There will be two hearings on Thursday, at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m., one on Friday at 10 a.m., and the last on Monday, June 26 at 6 p.m.

Testimony can be given in person or virtually over Zoom. Speakers can register through the MTA’s website, or by calling (646) 252- 6777.

The MTA Board would vote on fare increases next month, and the changes would take effect by Labor Day, officials said.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)