POLL: Metro-North Smoking Ban

No more warnings: if you light up a cigarette on a NYC Metro North platform in, station and terminal boarding areas, or near an outdoor ticketing machine, it could cost you.

According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) the ban on outdoor smoking went into effect Feb. 15 for Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road customers.

Actually it went into effect in November—but with a grace period for educating the public. At the time, Metro-North President Howard Permut said, “The new law is a benefit to our customers, helping us in our efforts to provide a healthier and cleaner environment on our platforms and in our ticketing and boarding area. We appreciate the action taken by Governor Cuomo and the Legislature to protect New Yorkers and improve public health.”

Now, enforcement begins. Violators can be ejected from Metro-North or LIRR property and face fines of up to $50 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both.

Metro-North stations are not subject to the bans.