LIRR Snack, Drink Prices May Increase

By Steve Ritea, Newsday, Melville, N.Y.

Apr. 22–The average price of alcohol, soda and snacks will increase on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North by about 25 percent on May 8 if the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approves the move next week.

The Long Island Committee of the MTA board is expected to vote on the measure tomorrow, then send it to the full board, which meets April 30, for final approval.

“We haven’t raised beer prices in four years and there has been no across-the-board price increases since 1996,” said LIRR spokesman Joe Calderone. “This price increase will help us offset higher labor and product costs for beer, wine, liquor and snacks. The increase also is in line with prices charged by other vendors at Penn Station.”

On the LIRR, domestic beers would increase by a quarter, to $2.25 and imported beer from $2.50 to $3. Top-shelf liquor would go from $4.25 to $5.50 while house spirits jump from $4 to $5.25. A glass of wine goes from $3 to $3.50.

Soda and water would increase from $1.25 to $1.50 and peanuts from 75 cents to $1.

Prices on Metro-North also will be higher, with top-shelf liquor increasing from $5.50 to $6.50 and wine from $4.50 to $5.50.

LIRR beverage and snack service is available at Penn Station, Jamaica, Flatbush Avenue, Hunters Point Avenue and aboard the Hampton Reserve Service, where higher prices are typically charged.

Domestic beer increases from $3 to $3.25 on the Hampton Reserve cars and top-shelf liquor goes from $5 to $6.25.

Last year, the LIRR grossed $2.5 million in sales from its concessions, with a net profit of $500,000, Calderone said.

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