The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board voted Tuesday to approve a slate of fare and toll increases set to take effect in January, impacting millions of New Yorkers who rely on subways, buses, and commuter rail.
Subway and Bus Fare Increase
Beginning in January, the base subway and bus fare will rise from $2.90 to $3. Reduced-fare riders will see their costs increase from $1.45 to $1.50. Express bus fares will climb from $7 to $7.25, and reduced off-peak rides will rise from $3.50 to $3.60.
The fare adjustments, approved during the board’s monthly meeting on September 30, reflect the MTA’s continued push for modest, incremental increases rather than sharp spikes.
Weekly OMNY Cap Scaled Back
While base fares are rising, the MTA softened its original proposal for the unlimited seven-day OMNY fare cap. Initially, officials sought to raise the cap by $2, but after a six-week public comment period, the increase was cut in half.
The cap will move from $34 to $35, ensuring riders who take at least 12 trips in a week pay no more than $35. For reduced-fare customers, the weekly maximum will be $17.50.
“This governor and this legislature stepped up so we did not have to change our pattern of small incremental fare increases and go to a massive fare increase like is going on in Philadelphia right now,” said Janno Lieber, MTA chair and CEO.
Tolls and Commuter Rail Changes
Drivers will also see costs rise. Tolls on most MTA bridges will increase from $6.94 to $7.46. The board additionally approved new rules for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North tickets.
All one-way paper and mobile tickets will now expire at 4 a.m. the following day, instead of within four hours of purchase as originally proposed.
Mixed Reactions from Riders
Public reaction to the hikes has been divided.
“For many people, this is becoming unaffordable for the hikes to keep happening,” said commuter Omar Vera, urging the MTA to slow down the pace of increases, amNY reported.
But Adam Schmidt, a transportation associate at the Citizens Budget Commission, argued the hikes are necessary: “Reasonable, predictable biennial increases are the appropriate way to support the MTA’s ongoing operations while protecting riders and drivers from significant, unexpected price hikes.”
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