Governor Kathy Hochul is inviting Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad monthly ticket holders to take advantage of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) new “Winter Weekend” discount program. Starting today, the initiative allows monthly pass holders to bring up to two friends or family members for just $1 per ticket on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of March.
“Our ‘Winter Weekend’ program makes it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to explore the incredible destinations our state has to offer,” Hochul said. “I’m committed to making public transit more accessible, affordable, and reliable for everyone, and this program is a fun, budget-friendly way for families and friends to enjoy winter activities together.”
The discount program builds on the MTA’s popular “Summer Saturday” initiative and aligns with Hochul’s broader commitment to improving public transportation services for all New Yorkers.
“No need to sit in traffic this winter when LIRR and Metro-North offer fantastic service and the most affordable fares in years,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said.
LIRR President Rob Free highlighted the convenience of train travel for reaching Long Island’s winter attractions. “With record on-time performance and increased service, the LIRR is the fastest and most cost-effective way to explore everything from ski lifts to snow tubing,” Free said.
Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi emphasized the program’s appeal for winter activities. “Whether it’s skiing, hiking, or visiting family and friends, Metro-North is the best way to enjoy New York’s winter season,” Rinaldi said.
Explore New York for $1
The “Winter Weekend” program provides access to scenic destinations across the LIRR and Metro-North networks, including:
– Cold Spring (Hudson Line): Hike trails at Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve and enjoy local shops and restaurants.
– Beacon (Hudson Line): Explore Breakneck Ridge, Beacon Flea Market, and Main Street galleries.
– Patchogue (LIRR Montauk Branch): Visit Patchogue’s vibrant arts scene, restaurants, and shops.
– Bay Shore (LIRR Montauk Branch): Enjoy downtown Bay Shore and take a ferry to Fire Island.
– Montauk (LIRR Montauk Branch): Plan a weekend getaway to Montauk’s beaches, shops, and oceanfront restaurants.
The $1 fare promotion complements the 2025 State Parks Wellness Challenge, part of Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign. The challenge encourages New Yorkers to visit local parks and historic sites, many accessible via public transit.
Discounted tickets are available on the TrainTime app under the “Family Fares” option or can be purchased from conductors without an extra charge. LIRR and Metro-North tickets are not interchangeable, so riders must purchase tickets specific to each railroad.
The program follows a December milestone in which the MTA reported record ridership levels, with 4.5 million passengers on December 12, the highest since the pandemic. As public transit usage grows, Governor Hochul has committed to further investments in the MTA’s capital plan to enhance service reliability and affordability for all riders.
