The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is holding its final two public hearings on Wednesday to gather public feedback on a proposed series of fare and toll hikes scheduled to take effect in January.
Under the proposal, the base fare for New York City subways and buses would rise by 10 cents to $3.00. The weekly fare cap, which grants free rides after 12 trips, would also increase from $34 to $36.
Commuters on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North would see fare increases ranging from 4.4% to 8%. For a rider from Hicksville, a monthly pass would cost approximately $300, with a one-way ticket exceeding $15. From White Plains, a monthly ticket would rise to over $270, and a one-way fare would be nearly $14.
Drivers would also face higher costs, with tolls on major MTA bridges and tunnels set to increase by roughly 7.5%. For E-ZPass users at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and East River crossings, the toll would climb to around $7.50, while the rate for those without E-ZPass would be $12. The plan also includes phasing out many long-standing discounts as the agency transitions from the MetroCard to its OMNY tap-and-go payment system.
The proposed increases have drawn criticism, particularly in light of the new revenue expected from congestion pricing. That program is projected to generate $12 billion for subways and buses and an additional $1.5 billion for the LIRR and Metro-North.
MTA CEO Janno Lieber defended the proposal, stating, “We have to make the budgets balance, that’s why these small incremental increases every year are so important.” He also noted that “rider satisfaction level is way up.”
However, many commuters and public officials remain opposed. “Working-class New Yorkers are caught in an affordability crisis,” said commuter Christian Joseph at a recent hearing. “Food, rent, childcare… Transportation being one of them.”
Mayor Eric Adams has stated his opposition to the hikes. “Every dollar matters when you are struggling,” he said. “I believe now is not the time.”
Rockland County Executive Ed Day called for the MTA to withdraw the proposed Metro-North increases for West of Hudson commuters, labeling them “wholly unjustifiable.” He argued, “Our residents already face a value gap exceeding $40 million every year—paying far more into the system than they receive—while enduring inadequate, infrequent rail service and chronic underinvestment.”
Historically, the MTA has raised fares by approximately 4% every two years since 2009, with an exception in 2021 when Governor Kathy Hochul froze fares due to low post-pandemic ridership.
Following the public hearings, the MTA Board is expected to vote on the proposal. Members of the public who cannot attend the meetings can submit comments online, by mail, or by calling (646) 252-6777.
Source link
