We don’t mean to crash your New Year’s Eve party plans, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will be cracking down on alcohol consumption on their trains.
The MTA issued a statement saying individuals will be prohibited from alcohol consumption and possession of open alcoholic beverages from noon New Year’s Eve until noon New Year’s Day on MTA trains and in MTA stations. This includes both Metro-North and Long Island Railroad trains and locations.
Open alcoholic beverages are banned from @MetroNorth trains & stations from noon on New Year’s Eve until noon on New Year’s Day.
— Metro-North Railroad (@MetroNorth) December 30, 2014
Alcohol not allowed on LIRR trains/platforms/stations Noon New Year’s Eve, 12/31 thru Noon New Year’s Day, 1/1/15. MTA Police to enforce ban
— LIRR (@LIRR) December 31, 2014
Apparently “there comes a time when the party really does have to end,” according to the MTA, and whether you agree or disagree, the rule will be enforced by the NYPD and the MTA Police. Of course, Twitter users had a sense of humor when replying back to announcements:
@MetroNorth ya aint verified so i dont believe you
— iCoño (@OGMaJik) December 30, 2014
— @Cam.Sutton (@camsuttonmusic) December 30, 2014
@MetroNorth @lohud good call.
— Mac Kid Bronxville (@MKBronxville) December 30, 2014
For several years, the MTA has implemented this policy to help ensure that riders arrive home from their New Year’s activities safely and without hassle (or as little hassle as possible for a trip around New Year’s). To accommodate for the numerous street closings in New York City, the MTA will operate a special schedule with reduced AM-peak and PM-peak service, including additional inbound trains in the afternoon and early evening, and free parking will be available at various stations on New Year’s Eve.
To view the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day special Holiday Timetable, visit the MTA’s schedules page.
