A Suffolk County resident is expressing his frustration after being charged $200 by Uber for a one-way trip from Long Island to Madison Square Garden, coinciding with the first day of the LIRR strike. Under normal circumstances, this journey would cost a mere $13.50 via rail.
“It’s disheartening that compromise seems to be a thing of the past,” remarked the 55-year-old, who identified himself as “Blake D.”
Blake lamented, “There’s no mediator anymore. People can’t negotiate and reach a compromise,” referencing the strike that commenced earlier that Saturday morning after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority failed to secure a wage agreement with five labor unions.
Residing in Great River, Blake mentioned that he and his companions opted for an Uber to attend a relative’s graduation from St. George’s University School of Medicine at MSG, necessitating an early morning start two hours ahead of schedule to ensure timely arrival.
Had the trains been operational, an off-peak LIRR ticket would have set them back only $13.50.
While the additional expense was an annoyance, Blake expressed relief at making it to their destination punctually.
“I had to get up two hours early, but I’m here,” he said. I’m enjoying it. I got here safely. That’s all that matters.”
Uber spokesperson Josh Gold said, “the taxes and tolls city and state entities collect on that trip far exceed the cost of the train ticket.”
