New York City’s transit authority unveiled its latest fare and toll proposals for rails, bridges and subways on Monday, including one that would raise the 30-day unlimited subway MetroCard from $104 to $125.
MTA Seeks to Hike Subway Fare to $2.75
New York City’s transit authority unveiled its latest fare and toll proposals for rails, bridges and subways on Monday, including one that would raise the 30-day unlimited subway MetroCard from $104 to $125.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority has said the 2013 hike would bring in $450 million a year to support the nation’s largest transit system. The MTA will hold public hearings on the proposals in November, and the board will vote on a final budget in December.
The proposals include a hike in cash tolls for cars crossing the city’s bridges from $6.50 to $7.50. Tickets on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North could rise by about 8 percent.
But the city’s subway and bus riders would be hit the hardest under the potential options, which include a 20 percent jump in the unlimited monthly Metrocard.
Base subway and bus fare could go up from $2.50 to $2.75. And the seven-day unlimited pass could jump from $29 to $34. One proposal calls for eliminating the 7 percent MetroCard bonus customers receive for putting at least $10 on a pay-per-ride card.
Legislators issued statements on Monday calling for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help avert the need for a fare hike by increasing state funds for public transit. The state comptroller’s office has said fare and toll hikes continue to outpace inflation, placing a burden on commuters across the metropolitan region.
“Tolls and taxes should not be the go-to solution for every debt-stricken government authority,” said Rep. Michael Grimm, who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn. “Just as every working family or business must learn to live within a budget, so should the MTA.”
MTA ridership was 1.64 million last year, the highest level since 1950, and is expected to grow.
Abba
Incorrect I believe.theh are thinking of raising it to $2.50
outcry!!!
this is getting already way out of control, they want to raise the price on all of us, but what are we getting for it in return ?? (worse service)!!
Leah
THIS IS INSANE!
I’ve only been living in NY for 5 years but it’s already increased so much! When I moved here the monthly was I think $86.
MJ
One of the problems is lost revenue through fare evasion, such as the bachurim who hang out near the turnstiles in the Kingston Ave. station shouting, “Cartis? Cartis?” I answer them (forgive any grammatical errors), “Ani ovaid b’MTA. Im ani etain licha ha-cartis sheli, ani LO e-evod b’MTA!” (It’s not worth risking my job swiping you through.)