Metro-North/LIRR Permit

[BigMacFU]

I read the MTA's site and official rules on needing a bike permit, but was wondering if anybody here with a folder has gotten away without having to obtain one? I'm hoping come fall that I won't have to buy one for my downtube.

[makeinu]

v. Collapsible bicycles do not need a permit, but must be folded while boarding, exiting, and being stored on a train.

..

[BigMacFU]

Thank you!!! I couldn't find that exception when looking at the site today.

[pm124]

Yup, and I've never been hassled...

[Dahon.Steve]

I would get a permit anyway since it's only $5.00 dollars for lifetime use. It allows you to bring any bicycle not just folders.

[makeinu]

Does anyone know if folding bikes are subject to the same restrictions as bicycles with permits (just without the permit requirement) or are they treated just like regular packages? The biggest reason I never bought a bike permit when I lived on LI was because you can't even use it on most trains.

btw, dahon.steve when are you going to tell us how you like your a-bike?

[geo8rge]

I have seen people asked to leave crowded Metro North trains with full sized bicycles (New Haven to NYC, Train filled with Yale-es with massive packages and steamer trunks). I always bring a painters drop cloth and a bungee cord to wrap my bike. The conductor who asked the other guy to leave did not question my wrapped CX.

I do not have any permits.

[Jonathan Drake]

Don't see why there would be a problem, then again I don't see why paying 5$ for a lifetime permit is such a big deal either.

[rhm]

I've taken my Strida, folded, on LIRR many times. I was once hassled by a conducter who told me it was not allowed. I asked if he wouldn't mind checking the exact rules for me, and he agreed. Ten minutes later he came back, apologized, and said the folded bike was no problem.

[Dahon.Steve]

btw, dahon.steve when are you going to tell us how you like your a-bike?

It looks like a very well made product and is the lightest folding bike I've ever carried. This is probably the only folder I can carry an entire football field without feeling exhausted!

Unfortunately, I have yet to ride it due to the fact that my mother was recently admitted with terminal lung cancer. As her condition continues to worsen, I hardly ride any of my bikes. There's just no desire.

I suspect when all of this is over, I'll test out the bike and give it a proper review.

[Michael Gugliel]

I often carry my Dahon on the LIRR and Metro North. In light of this I have written to them a few times for clarification. Here's the Metro North response:

Thank you for your e-mail. We regret any inconvenience or confusion.

Metro-North gives customers the opportunity to apply for a lifetime bicycle
permit, which entitles the bearer to travel on board with a bicycle during most
non-rush hours. As you correctly point out in your e-mail, under our current
regulations this policy is in reference to only non-collapsible bicycles.
Regarding collapsible bicycles, a permit is not required and the same
restrictions do not apply as long as the bicycle can be folded and placed in the
overhead rack or other area of the train deemed by the conductor to not
interfere with the safety and comfort of our customers

For example, if the conductor observes any sharp edges, protruding parts, or
other features which present safety hazards to our customers or crew or might
cause damage, the conductor may refuse the collapsible bicycle from being
carried on board. These decisions need to be made by the Conductor responsible
for the safety of our customers. Therefore, the conductor referenced in your
e-mail was correct in stating that "folding bikes" are allowed during rush hour,
but again must use his/her discretion when allowing these bicycles onboard given
the above considerations.

Regarding your suggestion that we clarify our policy on collapsible bicycles, I
have forwarded your e-mail to the appropriate managers for their review. If you
would like to discuss this matter further, please call me at our Customer
Service Center (212-672----) and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,