Nooooo! LIRR, Metro-North Raise Booze Prices

We've put up with service cuts. We've put up with fare hikes. We've put up with the knowledge that sometimes there won't be station agents looking out for us late at night, and that on the weekends we most likely won't be able to get anywhere. But in the latest attempt to raise cash for the perpetually poor MTA, the LIRR and Metro-North will be jacking up the prices of beer, wine and liquor by a quarter starting in 2011. Water prices will be going up too, but who can worry about that at a time like this?

Both rails are expecting to raise $150,000 on top of the $500,000 the LIRR profits and the $1.5 million Metro-North profits on annual liquor sales. And while one Grand Central vendor said they should be raising prices "with the economic situation people are in," a commuter told the Daily News that she wouldn't let a measly quarter come between her and her one moment of peace after that slog of a workday: "I'm not happy about it but will still pay it because I love being able to get a glass before getting on the train." A "glass," eh? Obviously a Metro-North rider.

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By Jaya Saxena in News on October 23, 2010 1:29 PM

Comments [rss]

billyjack44

I feel badly that my fellow LIRR riders and I are trailing so far behind in alcohol sales. Where's the spirit? Actually, they are losing huge market share to Rosa's and the other Penn based market guys. You can't beat their deals, and they sell 24oz cans (yeah, baby). And all you alcohol haters out there: relax, you kill-joys. Buncha babies.

Sulayman

I wish they got rid of alcohol altogether. It makes people rowdy and worsens the smell of the LIRR cars. Aren't like half the fights on trains a result of it?

Stevennnn

Not really. The fights are teens and people in their 20s who are drunk already before they even reach the train.

inoyourider

What needs to happen is better regulation of the bar cars.

1 and done should be the cap.

Too many people getting off the train drunk and hopping behind the wheel.

It doesn't get much attention, that happens far too often.

longacre

I always thought the booze prices on LIRR and MNR were pretty reasonable, so a hike isn't so bad. The best value is the $3.50 32 oz cup of Bud draft you can get at Rosa's Pizza in Penn Station.