New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning commuters to watch for possible price gouging tied to the Long Island Rail Road strike, which has disrupted travel for riders across Long Island.
With LIRR service suspended, many commuters from Nassau and Suffolk counties and surrounding areas are relying on rideshares, rental cars and parking facilities to get to work and other destinations.
James warned that New York’s price gouging laws prohibit businesses from unconscionably increasing prices on essential transportation services during market disruptions.
“As New Yorkers face a complete shutdown of LIRR service, many are counting on rideshares, rental cars, and other services to help them commute,” James said in a news release. “This strike is no excuse for companies to unfairly raise prices on New Yorkers. We will not tolerate price gouging, and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report illegal price hikes to my office.”
State price gouging laws apply to vendors, retailers and suppliers providing goods and services considered essential to public health, safety and welfare. Those services can include transportation, gasoline, food, water and hotel lodging.
The attorney general’s office encouraged commuters who encounter unusually high prices for rideshares, parking or rental vehicles to document the increases and report them.
Consumers filing complaints should provide:
Violations can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per incident.
Potential complaints can be filed through the attorney general’s office online complaint system or by calling (800) 771-7755.
