New York City subway and bus fares are set to increase to $3, effective January, following an approval by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
The new fare represents a 10-cent increase from the current $2.90 base fare for subway and local bus services. This adjustment marks the first fare hike for the city’s transit system since August 2023, when the base fare was raised from $2.75 to $2.90.
MTA officials cited the need to address persistent financial challenges, cover rising operational costs, and fund ongoing capital improvements across the vast transit network as primary reasons for the fare adjustment. The agency projects that the increased revenue will contribute to maintaining service levels and supporting essential infrastructure projects, including signal modernization and accessibility upgrades.
In addition to the base fare increase, riders can expect proportional adjustments to other fare products. Weekly and monthly unlimited ride passes are also slated for price increases, though specific new rates were not immediately detailed. Fares for express bus services, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and Metro-North Railroad are also typically subject to similar percentage increases during such adjustments, impacting commuters on regional lines.
The fare hike will affect millions of daily commuters who rely on the MTA’s subway and bus systems, which form the backbone of transportation for New York City and its surrounding areas. The MTA Board, which oversees the agency’s finances and operations, approved the measure as part of its regular review of revenue needs and budgetary constraints.
The changes are scheduled to take effect at the beginning of January.
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