u/JamwithSam697

Not advocating breaking rules, refusing fares, harassing conductors, or disrupting service. Legitimately curious what would happen operationally if a large amount of riders on the Long Island Rail Road all chose to legally pay onboard with cash on the same day.

Think about it:
Packed rush hour trains
Everyone hands over a $20 bill
Conductors have to make change, print/punch tickets, move through crowded aisles, etc.

It feels like it would expose how dependent the system still is on manual fare collection and how unrealistic it is for crews to fully collect on crowded trains.
Not trying to create chaos — more of a “Pay With Cash Day” style awareness thing about:
outdated fare systems
staffing realities accessibility for unbanked riders dependence on apps/e-tickets. Would the railroad even realistically be able to collect every fare before people got off?

Curious if conductors, daily commuters, or transit workers here have thoughts on how this would actually play out operationally.

Lifelong astorian, finally becoming jaded after years of luck with work that’s finally ran out. I got into hospitality at the age of 21, and here I am approaching 25 sitting on indeed and zip recruiter for 3-5 hours a day. I have a bachelors in fine art, I knew I wasn’t going to make any money with it anyways, just avoiding shame from my immigrant family and got the degree in my passion because I’d at least get it. I’ve sold everything of value to me. I pick up odd jobs like doing coat check, ticket scanning, pet sitting, and home cleanings.

I know I’m far from alone in this struggle right now. But any other recommendations from neighbors on how they’re getting by would help. Especially if you’re a woman in the 23-30 age range.

I’ve been working since I was 16 and this is the worst job market I’ve experienced thus far and feel like there’s possibilities of it getting worse.

Edit: I’m also open to work! Need door staff for your ticketed event? I’m your gal! Need some photographs taken? I’m very well rounded in media and photography. Need a light home cleaning? I have happy customers that can vouch :)

What if everyone on the LIRR paid cash onboard on the same day?

What are we doing for side jobs these days?