Mixed Reaction From Commuters On Smoking Ban At LIRR Stations, Platforms

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY (WCBS 880) -- A smoking ban at Long Island Rail Road stations is getting mixed reactions from commuters.

LISTEN: WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reports

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law back in August.

The new law prohibits smoking in outdoor spaces for ticketing, boarding or platforms of train stations operated by the MTA or its subsidiaries.

"It is important that commuters are not unwillingly subject to the dangers of second-hand smoke while waiting on train platforms," Cuomo said. "This law will make outdoor MTA train platforms, ticketing and boarding areas a cleaner, healthier place for all commuters."

Not everyone agrees. One smoker called the new rules an infringement on his right.

But non-smoker Judy Cain says "why should I have to inhale something that's an infringement on my rights."

Another man said the new rules won't keep him from his bad habit.

"They say a lot of things," he said.

"You should be able to smoke on the platform," said another rider. "It's outside, not inside."

Commuter Jack McCarttle favors the idea.

"It's smoke in the air, literally," he said. "Smoke in the air and it's bad for you."

The New York State Department of Health estimates that second-hand smoke kills 2,500 New Yorkers every year.

The smoking ban officially kicks in on November 13.

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