New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday issued a consumer alert warning residents to watch for price gouging tied to transportation services during the Long Island Rail Road workers’ strike.
The shutdown of all LIRR service has left commuters across the region seeking other transportation options, including rideshare services, rental cars, and parking facilities. James said businesses are prohibited under New York law from taking advantage of the disruption by imposing excessive price increases on services considered essential to consumers’ health, safety, or welfare.
“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 statement. “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.”
New York’s price gouging law applies to vendors, retailers, and suppliers operating in the state. The law covers essential goods and services, including food, water, gasoline, hotel lodging, and transportation services.
The attorney general’s office urged consumers who encounter unusually high prices for rideshares, parking, or car rentals to document the increases and report them to the Office of the Attorney General.
Officials said consumers filing complaints should provide details, including the specific prices charged and dates and locations where the increases occurred. Consumers are also encouraged to submit receipts and photographs of advertised prices when possible.
Violations of New York’s price gouging law can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.
New Yorkers can report suspected price gouging by filing a complaint online through the attorney general’s office or by calling 800-771-7755.
