As congestion pricing tolls begin in NYC, LIRR and Metro-North offer discounts

Monthly ticketholders who ride the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad will soon be able to bring up to two people on board with them for just $1 each.

The marked down rides are part of the MTA’s “Winter Weekend” discount program, which runs from Jan. 4 until the end of March. It’s a deal meant to encourage people to take public transit to and from the city as the Congestion Relief Zone — a controversial pricing plan that will toll drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street $9 daily — takes effect. The MTA is also taking other steps to speed up public transit in the city, including its recent unveiling of plans to completely overhaul Queens' bus networks.

“Taking the train is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the city this winter and with record-levels of on-time performance and more service than ever before, you can count on the LIRR to get you where you need to go, said LIRR President Rob Free.

The program, which runs on Saturdays and Sundays, offers the discounted rate to commuters traveling between any LIRR or Metro-North stations. However, a discounted ticket bought on the LIRR can’t be used on Metro-North, or vice versa. Marked-down tickets can be purchased on the TrainTime app.