At this point...just drive.
Conductors on the LIRR at Penn Station are now checking tickets PRIOR to boarding the trains. Now, this has been something they have been doing when there are big events at Madison Square Garden, or at LIRR stops like Forest Hills Stadium, but this will be something that you may see more frequently at Penn. It may even affect the time you can get on your train, so plan ahead and plan for delays!
Personally, there was no better feeling than when a conductor didn’t come by to check your ticket and you could use your ticket another time! It was like getting a 2 for 1! Looks like that’s gonna change, REAL SOON. This is why we can’t have nice things.