The MTA has proposed a new round of fare and toll increases, with the changes likely to take effect in January 2026. This comes after the agency delayed an originally planned increase. The proposed changes would coincide with the full transition to the OMNY tap-and-go system and the phasing out of the MetroCard.
Here's a breakdown of the proposed changes:
New York City Transit (Subways and Buses)
* Base Fare: The base fare for subways and local buses would increase by 10 cents, from $2.90 to $3.
* Express Bus: The express bus base fare would increase from $7 to $7.25.
* Fare Cap: The 7-day rolling fare cap would become permanent. The cost to hit this cap would increase from $34 to $36, meaning that after 12 rides in a week, any additional rides would be free. A new fare cap for express bus riders would also be introduced, at a cost of $67 for a 7-day period.
* Single Ride Ticket: The price would increase from $3.25 to $3.50.
* OMNY Card: The fee for a new OMNY card would increase to $2 when MetroCards are no longer accepted.
* Unlimited Passes: The 30-day unlimited pass is being eliminated.
Commuter Railroads (LIRR and Metro-North)
* Monthly and Weekly Tickets: These would increase by up to 4.5%.
* Other Tickets: Other ticket types would increase by up to 8%.
Bridges and Tunnels
* Tolls: Most MTA crossings would see an increase, with EZ-Pass rates potentially rising from $6.94 to $7.46.
The MTA will hold a series of public hearings this fall to gather feedback on the proposals before the board votes on them. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has voiced his opposition to the fare hike, citing the city's affordability crisis and arguing that with the revenue from congestion pricing, the MTA has no excuse to raise fares without demonstrating meaningful improvements.
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