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LIRR, Metro-North roll out 'flexible' fare offerings; OMNY fare capping starts next week

NEW YORK — The MTA began rolling out new “flexible” fare offerings for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad riders as part of a pilot program on Friday — and will do the same for OMNY users on Monday. 

LIRR and Metro-North riders can now buy a monthly unlimited pass at a 10% discount, the MTA said in a press release.

As an alternative, riders can purchase a new 20-trip ticket that saves them 20% on regular peak fares via the MTA eTix app, the release said. Those tickets will be available at staffed ticket windows on Tuesday, the release said.

What You Need To Know

The mta began rolling out new “flexible” fare offerings for long island rail road and metro-north railroad riders as part of a pilot program on friday new york city transit, meanwhile, is launching a fare capping pilot program on monday omny users who have already purchased 12 rides for $2.75 each — the equivalent of a $33 unlimited metrocard — will be able to commute for free the rest of the week all of the new fare offerings will remain in effect “for at least four months,” the mta said.

The MTA on Friday also extended its CityTicket program — which allows LIRR and Metro-North customers traveling within New York City to buy reduced, flat fare tickets on weekends — to weekday, off-peak trains. Each ride will cost $5, the MTA said. 

Peak fares are set to return on Tuesday, the agency noted. The LIRR suspended peak pricing in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York City Transit, meanwhile, is launching a fare capping pilot program on Monday that will allow subway, local bus and Staten Island Railway riders using the OMNY tap-and-go system to avoid having to decide whether or not to buy a seven-day unlimited-ride MetroCard. 

Each Monday through Sunday, OMNY users who have already purchased 12 rides for $2.75 each — the equivalent of a $33 unlimited MetroCard — will be able to commute for free the rest of the week, the MTA said in its release. 

Starting Tuesday, March 1, peak fares will resume on peak LIRR trains. We’re also launching new, discounted ways to pay your fare! Monthly ticketholders will receive 10% off the March 2022 monthly ticket. The March monthly is available for purchase starting today, 2/25. — LIRR. Wear a Mask. (@LIRR) February 25, 2022

The MTA will continue to offer free transfers between subways and buses as part of the program, but a two-part trip will only count as one trip toward the 12 trips needed to ride free each week, the release noted. 

All of the new fare offerings will remain in effect “for at least four months,” according to the release. 

“Bringing riders back to mass transit depends on three variables — reliability, safety and price. We’ve made it a priority to get creative on fares,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement. 

“Transit affordability is also an equity issue, and we are committed to providing a wide range of new discounts, while ensuring the MTA maintains a solid bottom line,” Lieber added. 

The MTA may extend the pilot program or make it permanent if it “proves successful,” the release said. 

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Metro North Ten-Trip Off-Peak Ticket - New York City Forum

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Hello - does anyone know if I can use the MTA Metro North ten-trip off-peak ticket to travel to different locations from Manhattan? For example, I want to travel to Peeksill this weekend, but White Plains another weekend. Can I use the same 10-trip ticket or is the 10-trip ticket limited to one origin-destination? I cannot find any information on the MTA website and the 511 number is all robots.

I’m pretty sure the fares vary on Metro North depending on what your destination is for each trip.

So you would need a different ticket for each destination, and a 10-pack would be for 10 rides in either direction between Grand Central and the same destination. Exactly which trains are considered Off Peak will be indicated on the train schedule for each destination.

You can find all the info on the MTAeTix App, or the mta.info website.

Fares do vary but you wouldn’t need different tickets for the different destinations. You would just pay the difference, as calculated by the conductor. You can pay on the train without penalty (since you’ve technically already bought your ticket) but I believe you may need cash. I’m pretty sure they’re not set up to take credit cards. They can make change though!

You would have to look at the prices for each of the places you want to go. typically prices are not different for every single station but they are grouped with the same prices for 3 or 4 consecutive stations. So check the prices for the various places you want to go to see what ticket price will make sense for you. And yes, you can pay extra on the train - but it must be cash - and don't try using large bills - the conductors are not set up to make change for large bills since they collect very few fares.

Actually, it would seem that if you buy your 10-trip tix for the most expensive destination and then want to use it later for a cheaper destination that that ought to be okay. But it is hard to say. The worst that could happen is that the conductor would refuse and require you to buy a separate ticket for the different destination, though note that unless you are over 65 there is a huge surcharge for buying tix on the train.

There is no surcharge for paying additional fare on a train on a ticket you already have. And if the fare for the station you are going to is cheaper than your 10-trip, then you do nothing (you won’t get any money back though).

I do this all the time on the LIRR - I can’t imagine it’s different on Metro North. In fact, I have bought off-peak on Metro North and paid the “step-up” fare on the train when using it for peak trains.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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TICKETS AND FARES

Ticket types to best suit your travel needs, ticket types, one-way tickets.

One-way tickets purchased in the CT rail eTix app are valid for 60 days. One-way tickets purchased at ticket windows or ticket vending machines are valid for 90 days.

Ten-Trip Tickets

Ten-trip tickets are valid for 180 days. Ten-trip tickets are non-transferable; lost tickets can neither be refunded nor replaced.

Monthly Tickets

Monthly tickets are issued per calendar month. Other various monthly ticket add-ons include the following (may incur additional charges):

• Monthly Plus Bus – includes bus service on CT transit New Haven Division, River Valley Transit, and Southeast Area Regional Transit.
• UniRail Monthly – combines Metro-North tickets with CT rail Shore Line East rail service for a lower combined fare than if tickets were purchased separately.
• School Monthly – discounted fare for students 18 or younger traveling to and from primary or secondary school. Proof of age and school-issued ID are required (Not valid for college students).
• Monthly tickets are non-transferable; lost tickets can neither be refunded nor replaced.

U-Pass CT cards are available for students at participating schools for unlimited rides throughout Connecticut, including weekends and holidays. All you need is your U-Pass CT card and valid student ID. Be sure to follow all of the Conditions of Use . For more details on the U-Pass and a list of participating schools, visit CT rides .com/U-Pass-CT .

How to Purchase

Tickets can be purchased in the following ways: 

• Download the app from the Google Play store here . 
• Download the app from the Apple App Store here . 
• Full-service windows via Amtrak ticketing only at New London, Old Saybrook, and New Haven Union Stations.
• Ticket vending machines at New Haven Union Station.
• UniRail tickets cannot be purchased on board CT rail Shore Line East trains or at stations serviced only by CT rail Shore Line East.

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Escape New York City With an Overnight Trip Off of Metro-North

• Jun 1, 2022
• By Austin Bernhardt

Every now and then, even the most diehard New Yorker craves an escape from the greatest city in the world–sometimes it’s still nice to go someplace where the pace of life is just a little more restful. Thankfully, Metro-North offers service to a diverse range of nearby locales from charming towns to underrated cities that (gasp!) also have food, culture, and experiences to rival NYC itself. In under two hours via train from Grand Central Terminal, you could be hiking, taking in large-scale art installations, or even enjoying a fresh farm-to-table meal. Here are a handful of stops to consider on your next venture out of town.

GET SOME OFF-THE-GRID TIME IN AT MALOUF'S MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND IN BEACON

Like much of the Hudson Valley, Beacon splits the difference between rugged and refined leisure. For the outdoorsy among us, the town is an entry point to a hiking loop encompassing South Beacon Mountain and the popular Breakneck Ridge . Take it from someone who’s done it: The views at the top are breathtaking, but you earn them through steep rock scrambles and difficult terrain. While your glutes will hate you the next day, the one-on-one time immersed in nature is worth it.

For a fully unplugged experience, consider staying at Malouf’s Mountain Campground , which offers a variety of amenities for campers including food, bathrooms, and platforms to pitch your tent on. The campground also provides shuttles from the Beacon train station—since it’s otherwise inaccessible via car—as well as information about nearby hikes. And if you don’t think you’ll be able to totally unplug, fear not, there’s a wifi zone.

On your way back to the city, consider reentering civilization with a meal at the Roundhouse , an upscale hotel and restaurant featuring locally sourced wine, meats, and produce. Right by the train station, you’ll also find Dia Beacon , an art museum that’s home to long-term installations from heavy hitters like Richard Serra and Andy Warhol as well as a regular rotation of exhibitions from established luminaries in the art world.

How to get there : Take the Hudson line to the Beacon stop. You can arrange a free shuttle pickup with Malouf’s.

10 minute free shuttle

SETTLE IN AT THE ROCKING HORSE RANCH IN POUGHKEEPSIE

Rocking Horse Ranch , a rustic family-friendly resort offering all-inclusive entertainment, is just across the river from Poughkeepsie. The ranch’s on-site activities include summer classics like horseback riding, swimming, rock climbing, and boating as well as skiing and tubing in the winter. You definitely need to be on board with the resort’s old-timey saloon vibe to fully enjoy it (even the restaurants transport you back to the Old West), but why wouldn’t you be? Rocking Horse also makes it easy to schedule a free pickup from the Poughkeepsie train station via their website. When you and your fellow cowpokes have had your fill of everything the ranch has to throw at you, consider popping into Poughkeepsie before your wagon train circles back. (See? The western thing is very fun.) Some local highlights include the free Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College and Locust Grove Estate , the 200-acre home of Samuel Morse that features hiking trails, and an Italianate villa.

How to get there : Take the Hudson line to Poughkeepsie. You can arrange a shuttle directly with the resort, or take a 12-minute rideshare.

12 minute rideshare or shuttle

EXPLORE THE CHARMING HAMLET OF KATONAH

An hour from Grand Central Terminal is Katonah, an unassuming hamlet (yes, it’s technically classified as a hamlet!) that offers some serious small town charm. Or, sorry – small-hamlet charm. The main drag, Katonah Avenue, features an eclectic spread of shopping options. The Katonah Museum of Art is also easily accessible without a car, and with an MTA Away package , you can save on both train fare and museum admission. 

When Katonah’s finally tired you out, the gastronomically inclined will be pleased to know that The Whitlock , a local eatery, was recently added to the Michelin Guide’s list of notable restaurants.

Just outside Katonah, you’ll find the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts , an old estate that today hosts concert series and special events. And if you go by Metro-North train to Katonah, you can score discounts on every part of the trip with our MTA Away deals , from train ticket to admission to Caramoor, and there’s even a free shuttle from the train station. This year, Caramoor is home to a diverse range of performers including a jazz festival, a roots festival, and solo concerts on the lawn.

Instead of heading back to the city after your concert, you could even keep the good times going at the nearby Bedford Post Inn , an out-of-the-way establishment that’s been operating for over 100 years. You could quite honestly spend your entire stay here since, in addition to a Michelin-recommended restaurant (we’re sensing a theme) and expansive grounds, the inn also boasts an award-winning yoga studio. How to get there : Harlem line to Katonah, plus a 10-minute rideshare

10 minute rideshare

A SMALL TOWN ADVENTURE IN PAWLING

With a population just south of 2,500, Pawling is perhaps best described as “itty bitty.” The town itself is sleepy and charming, with dining options that tend toward the cozy local’s joint variety: cafes, pizza places, and bakeries. For a nice sit-down meal, consider McKinney & Doyle Fine Foods Cafe , an offshoot of a bakery in town.

The main reason for a traveler to head to Pawling is its proximity to the famous Appalachian Trail . In fact, Metro-North offers service to a designated Appalachian Trail stop a few miles north of the town itself on the weekends for easier access. More specifically, the section of the trail north of Pawling constitutes the Great Swamp. Granted, the name itself doesn’t evoke the grandeur and beauty of Appalachia, but the swamp is actually a serene and expansive wetland navigable by boardwalk. In other words, it’s an accessible and manageable stretch perfect for a day hike when the weather cooperates. When you’re done, take a load off at Station Inn Pawling , a clapboard house in town with comfortable, cozy, reasonably priced rooms to retire to after a day on the trail.

How to get there : Harlem line to Pawling, plus a 3-minute walk

3 minute walk

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON TARRYTOWN & SLEEPY HOLLOW

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Yes, horror fans, this is the Sleepy Hollow. A little over 200 years ago, Washington Irving published his lasting tale about the headless horseman. Today, the town of Sleepy Hollow gets really into it, especially around Halloween time, when you can look forward to things like costume parades and spooky walking tours in Rockefeller State Park Preserve .

Once you’ve got your thrills and chills, the Tarrytown area is really just a nice, scenic town. You can walk along the Hudson at the RiverWalk Park located just a few steps from the Metro-North station or visit the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse if you’re nautically-inclined. Since Tarrytown itself was founded in the 1640s, it’s also full of history, and the local Historical Society conducts regular walking tours as well.

Tarrytown has its fair share of charming and tasty eateries, though the most notable local restaurant is definitely Blue Hill at Stone Barns , chef Dan Barber’s celebrated farm-to-table fine dining establishment just a few miles from the town center. Similarly tony (though reasonably priced) is the Tarrytown House Estate , a fittingly old house overlooking the Hudson that’s a suitable place to rest your head after a stroll through old Tarrytown. How to get there : Hudson line to Tarrytown, plus a 9-minute rideshare

9-minute rideshare

TAKE THE TRAIN TO PIZZATOWN, USA (AKA NEW HAVEN, CT)

Another college town? Yes, New Haven is home to Yale University, and you can certainly enjoy plenty of lovely strolls around the neo-Gothic architecture as well as the regular exhibitions at the Yale University Art Gallery . But the real reason to go to New Haven, as any aficionado will tell you, is for the pizza. The Elm City is famous for it, particularly the white pie with clams. The most famous place to grab a pie is either Frank Pepe ’s or Sally’s Apizza , both of which are in the city’s historic Wooster Square neighborhood. But there’s plenty of excellent pizza to be had around town. One sleeper hit is at Bar Pizza downtown, which also brews its own beer.

And once you’ve stuffed your face with three square meals of nothing but pizza, retire to the brand new Blake Hotel , built in 2019 a few blocks away from Yale’s Old Campus. The Blake is modern without feeling cold and is a great starting point to explore downtown New Haven. How to get there : New Haven line to New Haven Union Station, plus a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute rideshare

15 minute walk

Locations in this article

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Public Transportation and Metro Rail Information

Metro-North Railroad

Metro-north information.

Second only to the Long Island Rail Road in terms of being the busiest metro system in North America, the Metro North Railroad or simply known as the Metro-North, operates in southeastern regions of New York and southwestern regions of Connecticut since 1983. It operates on 5 lines, serving more than 120 stations in total. It it is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority or the MTA that is responsible for the operations of this huge network, spanning over 1000 km in track length. Why is it considered to be the second busiest metro system in North America? On an average, it had a daily ridership of nearly 300,000 as of the year 2014.

Metro North Railroad Timings and Schedule

The timings on the Metro-North differ according to the lines. The lines itself, are divided into two categories, one operating in the west the other in the eastern side. However, that been said, the trains generally begin operations at around 05:00 am in the morning and run till nearly 02:00 am. There are lines/stations on which trains begin to operate as early as 03:00 am and run till just 22:00 pm.

For more information on the timings and schedules of the trains, you can visit the official website at: http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/planning/schedules/

Metro North Railroad Fares, Tickets and Cards

Various options are available to commuters for paying the fares, you can buy one-way, weekly, monthly, ten-trip or city ticket. The tickets can be bought on board, at the ticketing offices, online through WebTicket or by availing the monthly ticket-by-mail service called Mail&Ride . The prices differ on the basis of peak hour and off-peak hour travel. The passengers also have the option to purchase a MetroCard. A round trip ticket costs just $5.50 dollars with the card.

During off-peak hours, the fare of the metro is nearly 25% lesser as compared to during the peak hours. Most of the daily/single ride tickets are valid for a period of 60 days. Senior citizens and disabled people have the benefit of paying just half the normal fare for a one-way trip. Elderly people need to be 65+ years old to take advantage of this senior citizen concession offered. The same fares are applicable to children between the age group of 5-11. Travelling in groups of 10 can facilitate savings in one way. The percentage of savings depends, with the fare being nearly 40%-50% cheaper. For more information on the fares, tickets and cards, you can visit the official website at: http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/fares.htm

Metro North Railroad Rules and Tips

For safety purposes, the metro displays signboards on the platforms as to where one should be standing waiting for the train. This helps to improve the efficiency of the metro with minimal instances of passengers getting confused. While onboard the train, try to hold on to the railings especially if standing. Leaning against the doors is not advised either. In case of an emergency or some kind of injury, the emergency cord should be used. Be careful while using the elevators and escalators, especially when with children.

For more information on this, you can visit the official website at: http://web.mta.info/safety/

Metro North Railroad Lines

Following lines of Metro-North are currently operational :

● Hudson Line runs between Grand Central Terminal and Poughkeepsie stations. ● Harlem Lines runs between Grand Central Terminal and Wassaic stations. ● New Haven Line runs between Grand Central Terminal in New York to New Canaan, Danbury, Waterbury and New Haven stations in Connecticut. ● Port Jervis Line runs between Hoboken Terminal and Port Jervis stations. ● Pascack Valley Line runs between Hoboken Terminal and Spring Valley stations.

Metro-North Map

Map of Metro-North showing its lines and stations. Click on the Map to enlarge it or download Metro-North Map in PDF.

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Recommended for you

10 tips and tricks to riding metro-north train, like a pro, metro-north can be your best friend or worst nightmare..

After commuting five days a week by train, I have compiled a list of tips that everyone must know before riding on Metro-North. Whether you are taking the train into Grand Central or are commuting between New Haven and Greenwich, Metro North can be your best friend or your worse nightmare.

1. Buy your tickets at the station.

It may seem like common sense. However, most people don't realize that if they buy tickets on the train, it's more expensive. I always see families paying an arm and a leg for tickets because they did not buy their tickets at the station. At larger stations like New Haven, Stamford and Grand Central, there will be ticket windows. At smaller stations, there will be kiosks that will lead you through the process.

2. Try to avoid the middle cars.

After commuting for four months, you learn where to sit. What most people don't realize is that if you board the train either in the front or back there is more likely to be more seats available than the middle. Most people wait for the train on the middle of the platform, and few venture off to either the front or back.

3. Trains leave roughly every 30 minutes from Grand Central.

Trains are constantly leaving Grand Central, so if you are running to your train and miss it, don't fret; there is always another train leaving. Also, depending on which stop you are, you might be able to take an express or a local train that might leave earlier.

4. When leaving NYC, get to the train early.

I have made that mistake countless times and always kick myself for it. Arrive early when boarding in Grand Central. The train fills up fast and unless you want to stand, arriving 15 minutes early will save you in the end.

5. Express Trains = Happiness.

I consistently made the mistake of taking a local train instead of the express to Grand Central. Taking express can cut the train time by an hour depending on where you are riding it from. However, it is important to remember that if you are not going to Grand Central, the express is not the best option because it stops at less stations.

6. There is an app for that.

Metro-North has an app. Not only can you view the daily schedule, but you can also buy tickets. Whether you want to go paperless or didn't have time to buy your ticket, the app is easy and fast. I would use the app if I forgot my ticket at home or left it in the car; it was easier for me to purchase the ticket on my phone. You can get the app from the App Store on iPhones (I'm not sure if it is available for Samsung users).

7. Activate online tickets when you see the conductor clicking tickets.

If you are commuting daily and are like myself trying to stretch your tickets as long as possible, I recommend not activating your ticket until you see the conductor collecting tickets. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the conductor never makes it to you to click your ticket before you get off. If your ticket is activated, then you can no longer use it for the next day.

8. More than one kind of ticket.

I have become the master of types of tickets, as I have used just about all of them. Whether you need a one-way, both way, ten trip, weekly, monthly or school ticket, Metro-North has got it all covered. I recommend the weekly if you commute five days per week, but not every week in a month. The monthly ticket is perfect for someone who commutes all week, every week. I am currently using the ten trip ticket because I commute three days per week. The ticket lasts me about two weeks.

9. There is a quiet car.

Most people don't realize, but there is a quiet car closer to the back of the train. If you are someone who likes to read, write or work while you are commuting, I recommend that you use it. It is most likely less crowded and you can usually get a row of seats to yourself. I have accidentally ridden in the quiet car, and I have to say that the conductors do enforce the no noise policy.

10. Avoid using the restrooms.

I feel like it goes without saying, but just to reiterate, do not use the restrooms on the train. They are disgusting. I have used them before, but unless it's an emergency, do not use them. I always make a point to use the restroom before I board the train, and so should you.

I hope you enjoyed learning the tricks of Metro-North. Hopefully next time you take the train, you will feel more confident and ready to conquer it like a pro.

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19 lessons i'll never forget from growing up in a small town, there have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble.

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations..

Whether you met your new love interest online , through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

1. What do you do for a living?

What someone does for a living can tell a lot about who they are and what they're interested in! Their career reveals a lot more about them than just where they spend their time to make some money.

2. What's your favorite color?

OK, I get it, this seems like something you would ask a Kindergarten class, but I feel like it's always good to know someone's favorite color . You could always send them that Snapchat featuring you in that cute shirt you have that just so happens to be in their favorite color!

3. Do you have any siblings?

This one is actually super important because it's totally true that people grow up with different roles and responsibilities based on where they fall in the order. You can tell a lot about someone just based on this seemingly simple question.

4. What's your favorite television show?

OK, maybe this isn't a super important question, but you have to know ASAP if you can quote Michael Scott or not. If not, he probably isn't the one. Sorry, girl.

5. When is your birthday?

You can then proceed to do the thing that every girl does without admitting it and see how compatible your zodiacs are.

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

If you're like me, you have big goals that you want to reach someday, and you want a man behind you who also has big goals and understands what it's like to chase after a dream. If his biggest goal is to see how quickly he can binge-watch " Grey's Anatomy " on Netflix , you may want to move on.

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

This is a go-to for an insight into their personality. Based on how they answer, you can tell if they're goofy, serious, or somewhere in between.

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

For some, this may be a hard question if it involves a family member or friend who has since passed away . For others, it may revolve around a tradition that no longer happens. The answers to this question are almost endless!

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

We all have parts of our lives and stories that we wish we could change. It's human nature to make mistakes. This question is a little bit more personal but can really build up the trust level.

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

I mean, duh! If you're a dog person, and he is a cat person, it's not going to work out.

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

Personally, I am a Christian, and as a result, I want to be with someone who shares those same values. I know some people will argue that this question is too much in the talking stage , but why go beyond the talking stage if your personal values will never line up?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Even homebodies have a must visit place on their bucket list !

13. What is your ideal date night?

Hey, if you're going to go for it... go for it!

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

For me, it was hands-down Nick Jonas . This is always a fun question to ask!

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

Let's be real, if you put a label on it, you're not going to see your significant other at their best 24/7.

16. Do you have any tattoos?

This can lead to some really good conversations, especially if they have a tattoo that has a lot of meaning to them!

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

It's always interesting to see if how the person you're talking to views their personal traits lines ups with the vibes you're getting.

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

This question can go multiple different directions, and it could also be a launching pad for other conversations.

19. What's the best gift you have ever received? 

Admittedly, I have asked this question to friends as well, but it's neat to see what people value.

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

Work hard, play hard, right?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

This is always interesting because no matter how compatible your personalities may be, if one of you wants to be serious and the other is looking for something casual, it's just not going to work.

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Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in challah bread or easter bread.

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

A few weeks ago, I was given a loaf of bread called Challah (pronounced like holla), and upon my first bite, I realized it tasted just like Easter Bread. It was so delicious that I just had to make some of my own, which I did.

The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 1 cup lukewarm water 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white granulated sugar 2 tsp salt 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk (reserve the white for the egg wash) 1/4 cup neutral-flavored vegetable oil

Instructions

• Combine yeast and a pinch of sugar in small bowl with the water and stir until you see a frothy layer across the top.
• Whisk together 4 cups of the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
• Make a well in the center of the flour and add in eggs, egg yolk, and oil. Whisk these together to form a slurry, pulling in a little flour from the sides of the bowl.
• Pour the yeast mixture over the egg slurry and mix until difficult to move.
• Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes. If the dough seems very sticky, add flour a teaspoon at a time until it feels tacky, but no longer like bubblegum. The dough has finished kneading when it is soft, smooth, and holds a ball-shape.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place somewhere warm. Let the dough rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Separate the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope roughly 1-inch thick and 16 inches long.
• Gather the ropes and squeeze them together at the very top. Braid the pieces in the pattern of over, under, and over again. Pinch the pieces together again at the bottom.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment and lift the loaf on top. Sprinkle the loaf with a little flour and drape it with a clean dishcloth. Place the pan somewhere warm and away from drafts and let it rise until puffed and pillowy, about an hour.
• Heat the oven to 350°F. Whisk the reserved egg white with a tablespoon of water and brush it all over the challah. Be sure to get in the cracks and down the sides of the loaf.
• Slide the challah on its baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. The challah is done when it is deeply browned.

I kept wondering how these two breads could be so similar in taste. So I decided to look up a recipe for Easter Bread to make a comparison. The two are almost exactly the same! These recipes are similar because they come from religious backgrounds. The Jewish Challah bread is based on kosher dietary laws. The Christian Easter Bread comes from the Jewish tradition but was modified over time because they did not follow kosher dietary laws.

A recipe for Easter bread is as follows:

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 2/3 cup milk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup white granulated sugar 2 tbs butter 2 large eggs 2 tbs melted butter 1 tsp salt

• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan; heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted.
• Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring, leaving spaces for the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs between the braids of dough.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Both of these recipes are really easy to make. While you might need to have a day set aside for this activity, you can do things while the dough is rising or in the oven. After only a few hours, you have a delicious loaf of bread that you made from scratch, so the time and effort is really worth it!

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MTA Metro-North Railroad: Understanding a Major Mode of NY Transportation

You'll be in awe of just how easy it is to escape the city with the help of fantastic public transportation but first, you have to understand how MTA Metro-North Railroad works. We're here to help!

When we travel abroad we absolutely love using public transportation. So why are we so reliant on our cars back in America? We had a recent reminder of how wonderful train travel is on a trip to NYC earlier this year. Because every New Yorker knows the best way to get around is by train .

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase, at no cost to you . We truly only recommend hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Post Contents

Metro-North is Part of the MTA

Don't be confused if you see “MTA” on the trains. Metro-North Railroad (sometimes abbreviated “MNR”) is part of the Metropolitan Transit Authority , just like Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is.

Things to Know about MTA Metro-North Railroad in NYC

Where to board metro-north train within nyc: grand central or harlem, grand central terminal (or grand central station as some people call it).

The easiest place to catch Metro-North from a lot of areas in NYC (Manhattan included) is Grand Central Terminal , located on 42nd St. and Park Ave. (It's abbreviated “GCT” on the Metro-North website.)

Generally speaking, Grand Central Terminal is convenient for many NYC residents and visitors, including if you're coming from Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island. Especially if you're staying within 10 to 15 blocks north or south in midtown-east, like at this Parisian-inspired hotel .

Simply take the subway to Grand Central and voila: hop on board Metro-North to continue on one of Metro-North's three lines: Harlem, Hudson or New Haven.

Harlem/125th Street Station

This isn't always the case though. For instance, if you're in Harlem in northern Manhattan, then you have a better option of picking up Metro-North at Harlem/125th Street .

The Harlem Metro-North station is at 125th Street and Park Avenue. Three of the five main lines for MTA Metro-North Railroad pass through here. These lines stop at destinations in New York and Connecticut. They are the Harlem,   Hudson, and New Haven lines.

This is great if you want to go from Harlem to the Bronx to visit the NY Botanical Garden, for instance. Or you're already above midtown Manhattan, around 65th St. or above on the east side, and are continuing north.

It usually doesn't make sense to go southeast to Grand Central when you can simply hop on a train from further north along the train line in Manhattan. Here are some scenarios in Manhattan where it makes sense for you to board the train at Harlem/125th street station:

• From the upper west side of Manhattan: if you're already in the 70 street or above, like at 90th street, for example, simply take the red subway line's 2/3 train northeast to 125th street. Switch to Metro-North there.
• From the upper east side of Manhattan: at 86th street, for instance, take the green subway line 4/5/6 train to 125th street. Then walk a few blocks west to Metro-North at 125th Street and Park Avenue where you'll pick up the MTA Metro-North Railroad.

You can feel good about using an eco-friendly way of travel when you choose trains. They don't pollute the air like cars do. And of course, the train is always fun for being fully present with a friend you're traveling with or getting extra work done.

An Important Note on the Size of Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal (GCT) is LARGE. And it can be confusing if you've never been there.

Leave yourself plenty  of time to arrive, buy tickets, and potentially wait in line if you need to clarify the tickets you need at a ticket window instead of a machine, discover which platform your train is leaving from, and then time to walk there.

And if you're touring New York City and you've never been to GCT be sure to allot time to see it. Because it's really impressive and beautiful! It's one of my favorite places in NYC.

Our suggestion is to book a Secrets of Grand Central Tour for another day or before you head to your destination on Metro-North Railroad. The one-and-a-half-hour tour is very affordable and shares SO MUCH information about GCT, including why it's a NYC icon and how it was restored years ago. It's fascinating!

Purchasing Tickets for MTA Metro-North Railroad

Tickets can be purchased onboard, however, there's an additional fee you'll pay to do so. We do NOT recommend this.

Instead, download the free MTA eTix app on your smartphone and you can purchase tickets from there.

Purchasing Tickets on the MTA eTix App

There are three things to keep in mind when you do this:

• Create an account to log into the app ahead of time: Don't wait until the last minute to download the app. You need to create and register an account once you download it and you won't be able to do that as the train arrives. Leave yourself five to ten minutes to register an account.
• Make sure your phone has plenty of battery: If your phone is about to die you won't have a way of accessing your ticket to show the train MTA employee. More importantly, you'll need juice left in your phone to show your return trip ticket hours later. There are a few outlets on the train if you bring along a phone charger, but I wouldn't rely on it. (The outlets are usually by the seats closest to the train car doors.)
• Activate your ticket on the app before boarding the train: I usually do this as I am literally stepping onboard with the click of a button. (Purchased tickets are in your “Ticket Wallet” on the app.) Don't do it too far in advance of your train time because it's only active for a certain amount of time. You cannot deactivate a ticket once it's activated.

How Long do MTA eTix Stay Active?

The tickets purchased on your app are valid for the same amount of time as paper tickets: 60 days .

However, once you activate a ticket on the app it's only active for a small amount of time. They don't reveal exactly how long on their website, but we suspect it's only for that day or a few hours. (They say it's active for the “duration of your trip” on their site and the longest ride is only a few hours.)

Reminder: once you activate a ticket you can't deactivate it.

Purchasing Metro-North Tickets a Ticket Window

Another option is to purchase the tickets in person at a ticket window with a real person or automated ticket machine:

• Ticket window : They're not open 24/7 but they have pretty good hours. This is a great option if you're a little confused about what ticket you have to purchase and want to ensure you're buying the right one. If this is the case, allow extra time at the station. This way you'll have PLENTY of time to wait in line to purchase the ticket, then get to the train platform, then make the train. There's very often a wait for ticket windows at Grand Central, especially during peak hours.
• Ticket machine : They're located all over Grand Central Terminal or near the train station platform at your train stop.

You know the saying “ measure twice, cut once “? Be sure to do that when purchasing your ticket at a machine or online because once it's yours, it's yours. They say you can return it within minutes in the app, however, it's barely worth the extra $10 refund fee if you were only buying a $20 roundtrip ticket, to begin with.

Peak or Off Peak Train Tickets

Be sure you're purchasing the correct type of ticket for the time you want to travel. Though tickets won't expire within a day (they're good for a few weeks) the time you want to travel affects the ticket you need. There's “Peak” or “Off-Peak”.

The MTA website states the following about peak travel from NYC:

• Peak fares apply to weekday trains that leaves GCT between 6 AM and 9 AM or depart GCT between 4 PM and 8 PM.

The rest of the time is considered Off-Peak. Try to travel during Off-Peak times if you want to save a bit of money on train tickets.

Estimating the cost of your ticket ahead of time is simple. Here's the easiest way to do it with the Fare Information tool on the MTA site:

• Make sure you have the “ MNR ” tab selected, for Metro-North Railroad .
• Then input the necessary information, including what stations you're traveling to and from, and what time you want to leave or arrive by.
• When the results come up click on the train you want to select by pressing the right arrow (where we pointed to with a red arrow on the screenshot below).

• Then another box pops up indicating the trip information. There's a tab next to “Trip Information” that says “Fares”. We've boxed it in red below. Click that.
• Voila! Your fare options appear. If you'll be traveling round trip of course you'll want to locate that price, where we circled below.

Train Schedules

Train schedules are available on the MTA eTix app or online on the MNR tab. Trains generally run on time but if they're delayed you'll be notified on the train platform. You have to plan  for it to be on time, though, because the train won't wait for you. You must be waiting and ready to go!

The exception is at the start or endpoint. So, for example, if you get to Grand Central and your train is leaving from Platform 16 at 10:21am and you arrive at 10:19am it is likely the train is already there with the doors open. You are welcome to board at this point. But it's only waiting for you because this is the start of the train line.

That's not the way it works for any stops between the first and last. The doors merely open  momentarily  for you to board or leave the train. If I had to guess from years of experience with MTA trains, I would say that the Metro-North train doors open for about 30 to 50 seconds on a platform.

If you miss your train, there's likely another one within the hour. This depends on the popularity of the train line/stops and the time of day. There are fewer scheduled trains during Off-Peak travel times. Peak travel times have more.

Wifi Onboard MTA Metro-North Railroad

Unfortunately, there is no Wi-Fi on board Metro-North trains. We've somewhat enjoyed Wifi onboard trains when we travel like when we traveled from Madrid to Zaragoza . But the Wi-Fi's truthfully never reliable anyway.

There isn't Wifi on Metro-North trains like there isn't Wifi on Long Island Railroad.

This is why we recommend a Solis Wi-Fi hotspot if you need to work while you travel. It allows us to rely on the hotspot for a connection, independent of whether we're on trains or in a car, for instance.

Metro-North Tours and Package Deals

We recently learned that Metro-North partners with many destinations to offer discounted pricing on train tickets and attractions. WOW – our minds were blown! Isn't that a great partnership? How did I live in NYC for so many years and never know that? Well, as Oprah says, “When you know better, you do better.”

How do you get your hands on any of the packages they offer? Simply purchase one at any station with a full-service ticket vending machine. The only catch is you can't purchase it at the station where the package is. In other words, you cannot purchase the Dia:Beacon getaway package at the Beacon Station. Yet if you're at Grand Central Terminal and want to purchase the Dia:Beacon package, you can.

We have our eyes on so many destinations and tours, including a West Point tour, visiting Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy, enjoying New York Botanical Garden, seeing Lyndhurst Mansion, and admiring Cold Spring on the Hudson.

Be sure to check the destination you're traveling to and the Metro-North Getaways website for additional savings. There are a lot of establishments in certain cities, including restaurants and shops, where you'll get extra savings on purchases simply by showing your train ticket.

Thank you to Metro-North for providing additional images to use for this post.

Visiting new york also check out:.

• Chic Paris Hotel in NYC’s Midtown East Manhattan, Frequented by Stars
• Your Complete Guide to Saugerties, New York
• 10 Free Road Trip Games for Couples (That Families and Kids Can Play Too)

Very informative.. Thank you

Thanks, Hedy! Glad you found the information useful!

Good morning. This is a great article concerning the MTA Metro-North Railroad services and the interesting places to visit. I would like to say that a lot more could be added to the MTA Metro-North Railroad services especially expanding services into Queens and Brooklyn via portions of LIRR Bay Ridge branch along with providing Westside services via Amtrak.

The Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg could aggressively assist in making this possible, with the rebuilding infrastructures plans. MTA’s Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road services could see great improvements in ridership and along with providing more direct intercity connections. Especially to major airports and hubs.

Thanks again

These are all valid points. We appreciate your readership and thoughts – and definitely encourage you to reach out to your Congressman and Senators, and potentially write (or call) to take action!

Thanks for the helpful information. I just noticed (on the MTA eTix App) that because of COVID, all fares are OFF-PEAK until December 31, 2021!

Great suggestion for buying the ticket on the app. That saves a bunch of time. Another useful app is the Metro-North Train Time app.

We’re so happy to hear that you found the post helpful, Paul. Thanks for the great info about Off-Peak fares on the app. Amazing!

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Metro-North is telling part-time commuters to go back to work. Their incentive?Elimination of the 20-trip discount tickets introduced in 2022.

After the pandemic when daily commuters were reverting to two or three days a week in the office, the old monthly pass didn’t make economic sense. So MTA introduced a 20-trip ticket (good for 60 days) offering a 20% discount over daily fares. It proved very popular.

Investment manager John Sini from Darien says he loved the idea. “I currently commute three to four times a week (to GCT) and a 20-trip ticket would last me two to three weeks.”

Here’s a chart showing the ticketing options for a Darien commuter on Metro-North:

The unlimited monthly ticket only makes sense if you take at least 27 trips a month.  For many in the work-from-home crowd this isn’t their new reality.

If all of this is confusing, MTA does have a cool online fare calculator showing your lowest price option based on your travel patterns. Plug in your stations, number of trips each month, peak and off-peak, and it recommends the “best” kind of ticket to buy.

Why is MTA killing the 20-trip ticket? They say it’s because “ post-COVID travel patterns continue to return to normal .” But that’s obviously not what’s happening.

Ridership on Metro-North has flatlined at 70% of pre-COVID numbers for over a year now. Efforts by employers to force their workers back into the office are still not working. People prefer to not commute if they can.

The MTA’s claim of “a return to normal” also runs counter to what the Connecticut Department of Transportation is about to do in reducing service on the least-traveled days, Mondays and Fridays. That decision is already baked into the new state budget, but details are pending.

When I asked CDOT to comment on this apparent contradiction, I never got a reply.  Even though CDOT sets fares in Connecticut, they’re clearly not in synch with Metro-North. So think of this new move by Metro-North (effective Sunday along with fare hikes on the subways and buses in New York City) as a not-so hidden fare increase.

When the 20-trip tickets were introduced in 2022 they were a “carrot.” Now Metro-North is going with a “stick.”

Higher fares won’t incentivize the work-from-home crowd back to the train. They may actually do the opposite. As commuter Sini says, “I think the MTA’s decision (to eliminate the 20-trip ticket) is a short sighted fare policy mistake that will drive some commuters that have in-office flexibility to commute less frequently.”

Workers now have a stronger argument with their bosses that they’ll be more productive (as well as saving time, stress and money) by not commuting.

Jim Cameron | Columnist

Jim Cameron is founder of the Commuter Action Group and advocates for Connecticut rail riders. He writes this weekly column called "Talking Transportation" for CT Mirror and other publications in the state. Read past Talking Transportation columns by clicking the "More by Jim Cameron" link below. Contact Jim at [email protected].

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Group travel on LIRR and Metro-North

For groups of 30 people or more, step 1: make a reservation.

Call 718-558-7419, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The office is closed on major holidays.

For Metro-North

Dial 511, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. When prompted, please say the following options to reach Group Sales:

• Metro-North
• More options
• Group Sales

Or, email Metro-North Group Sales at [email protected] .

Reservations depend on available space on trains. We recommend you make reservations at least two weeks in advance.

Step 2: Purchase your tickets

After you’ve made a reservation, you’ll get an email confirmation. Print that and bring it to any open ticket window. The ticket agent will print your group ticket.

In addition to making reservations, we can:

• Help you plan your trip
• Let our train crews know when you’ll be traveling
• Meet you at your station or on your train, depending on availability. (Priority is given to large school groups, those in need of special assistance, and people transferring to the subway.)

For groups smaller than 30 people

You must pay for a minimum of 30 people to use the group rate. However, groups of about 15 or more can usually save money by paying for 30 tickets (the balance of tickets can be paid at the cheaper youth rate).

Other ways for smaller groups to save money:

• Ages 5-11: Family Fare allows up to four children (ages 5-11) to travel with each fare paying adult for $1 each way.
• Ages 12-64: Off-Peak Ten Trip tickets can be shared. These offer a 15% discount on individual tickets.
• Age 65+: Senior Fares offer a 50% discount on off-peak fares. (These are not available for travel during morning peak hours.)

Travel for school field trips

Our mission is to help our children become comfortable with using mass transit. We offer:

Free subway transportation: The NYC Department of Youth & Community Development partners with us to provide free subway certificates to nonprofit youth-serving organizations. For more information, visit the city’s website , call 800-246-4646, or email [email protected] .

Escorts for your trip: For school groups of 60 or more, we can arrange for a New York City Transit Conductor or subway escort to accompany you through the subway system, free of charge. Hours and days are limited. Reservations should be made at least two weeks before the trip.

• The whole group must board at the same station and travel together.
• Sit near the group if you can. The conductor needs to account for the entire group when they check the group ticket.
• Board the scheduled train shown on your group ticket. If you miss your train, talk with the conductor on the next train. They will accommodate you if they can. If the train would be too crowded, you may have to take a later train.
• The person whose name is on the reservation does not have to be traveling with the group.
• You must buy your group ticket from a ticket window. You cannot buy a group ticket from a ticket machine, in our eTix app, or onboard trains.

Our Individual Return Tickets let you return at any time, including rush hour. Members of your group can return together or separately (on the same day of your trip).

For this option, all group members must pay the LIRR Adult group rate

All refunds are determined on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. All approved refunds will require the return of the unused group ticket. Refunds are subject to a $10 processing fee.

If you need to change your reservation, let us know at least 72 hours in advance of your trip.

Lost group tickets are not replaceable.

You can travel with fewer people than your group ticket specifies. However, you won’t be refunded for the unused portion.

Any additional travelers not included on the group ticket must pay the applicable full fare.

We reserve the right to establish which trains have excess capacity to handle groups, and rules for safety. The sale of any ticket includes no assurance of a seat on a particular train.

We won’t reserve space on a train when groups have already been reserved or when overcrowding is anticipated.

Groups will not be reserved:

• On peak trains that arrive before 9:30 a.m. on business days at NYC Terminal Stations.
• On trains for games/events at Mets-Willets Point and Belmont Park special event stations.
• On holidays or holiday eves (afternoon/evening before major holidays)
• On major events dates such as large parades, major festivals, and regional bike tour dates.
• On Montauk Branch and Riverhead/Greenport trains on summer Fridays traveling east, or Sunday return trains.
• If family fare or ticket types other than group tickets have been purchased (with the exception of large holiday school groups purchasing the free-rail packages).
• If the group is mostly children under the age 5 and the child-to-chaperone ratio is greater than 2 to 1.

You can buy 10 or more Metro-North one-way, round trip, monthly, or 10-trip tickets at once and get them delivered to you.

For more information, or email [email protected] .

LIRR group sales

Call 718-558-7419.

Metro-North group sales

• Tsahi Alexander, Group Travel Coordinator. Email [email protected] , call 212-340-3990, or dial 511.
• Emails can also be sent to [email protected] .

Click here to make your Metro-North Online Group Travel Reservation Request. 

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