The way Long Islanders pay for their commutes, and how much they pay for them, will undergo some major changes in the new year, as the MTA, as part of its latest rate hike, introduces several new fare options, and takes away some, too. In addition to driving up the cost of riding a train or bus or of driving across a New York City bridge or tunnel, the forthcoming rate adjustment includes the discontinuation of MetroCard sales and several measures aimed at reducing fare evasion on the LIRR, such as drastic reductions in ticket validity periods. For more on this story, visit: nwsd.li/626deb #MTA #LIRR #metrocard