Passenger Trains > LIRR proposes another fare increase

NY's MTA Long Island Rail Road has a program to raise fares every other year, far in advance of the inflation rate. Newsday says that fares have doubled in 20 years, and some believe this creates a threat to the vitality of the four counties.

The example rider will pay $6,400 yearly with an LIRR ticket and a monthly metrocard.  Parking would probably be more.

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/transportation/fares-inflation-increase-lirr-1.27069359

$533 / month

$26.67 per day, round trip.

Amtrak Monthly, Philadelphia-New York, $1,580. 90 miles, Regional trains 1 hr 20 mins

NJT Monthly, Trenton-New York, $480. 58 miles, 1 hr 10 mins

Long Island Rail Road Monthly, Southampton-New York $500. 92 miles, 2 hrs 30 mins
Long Island Rail Road Monthly, Speonk-New York $461, 72 miles, 2 hrs

Metro North Monthly, Poughkeepsie-New York, $521.  72 miles, 1 hr 40 mins. 

LIRR and MN are both MTA agencies in New York State.  Why is the LIRR fare $60 cheaper than MN for the same distance?