New York Attorney General Letitia James warned that price gouging on transportation-related services may be illegal during the Long Island Rail Road strike, including higher charges for rideshares, rental cars and parking. State officials later said the strike would end after a deal was reached.
New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers on May 18 that price gouging during the Long Island Rail Road strike could violate state law, including higher charges for rideshares, rental cars and parking.
The consumer alert came as the strike disrupted service across Long Island and left commuters looking for other ways to travel.
James said New York's price-gouging protections can apply to essential goods and services during market disruptions, including transportation options.
Strike disruption
The warning focused on transportation-related costs that could rise while the rail line was shut down. The attorney general's office said consumers should watch for unusually high prices from ride-hailing services, car rental companies and parking providers.
The alert was part of the state's response to the labor action, which halted LIRR service and created immediate pressure on commuters.
Deal to restore service
By May 19, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the MTA and the five LIRR unions had reached a deal and that service would return starting at noon, with full service expected by the evening rush.
That means the strike that prompted the warning was already being overtaken by developments as the state moved to restore train service.
The attorney general's warning remains relevant as a consumer-protection reminder during transit disruptions, even though the shutdown itself was ending.
Revision note
Revised to reflect the service-restoration deal and updated chronology.