On Aug. 20, New Yorkers saw the MTA fare rise from $2.75 to $2.90, a 5% increase and the first fare hike since before the pandemic.
Seven-day unlimited passes increased by 3%, from $33 to $34, and 30-day passes increased by 4%, from $127 to $132. Express bus tickets rose from $6.75 to $7, single-ride tickets rose from $3 to $3.25 and reduced fare for seniors and other eligible riders increased from $1.35 to $1.45.
Tickets for the Metro-North and Long Island Railroads increased by up to 10%, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, although any increase over 6% has been capped at 50 cents per trip. Weekly and monthly tickets for these lines increased by up to 4.5%.
The MTA announced these increases on May 23, 2023, and held four hybrid public hearings in late June to gather public comment. The increases were approved by the MTA’s board on July 19, with the goal of generating $117 million in 2023.
The MTA adopted a biennial fare increase policy in 2009. The scheduled 2021 increase was postponed due to the pandemic, thanks to funding from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“Now, with ridership growing, we're returning to the regular fare increases that allow us to maintain current service levels and even increase service frequency,” the MTA website says.
In addition to bus and train increases, toll fare increases for city tunnels and bridges went into effect Aug. 6. Those with a state-issued E-ZPass saw a 6% increase, and those with no E-ZPass, or one issued out-of-state, saw a raise of 10%.
Brooklyn reacts to the fare hike
At Brooklyn subway stops on August 20 and 21, local residents shared with BK Reader their opinions about the new fares.
“They shouldn't have raised it, and the fare should probably be free,” said Joseph Fontes, who was leaving the Jay Street station.
“Three dollars can be a lot, especially if people are taking the train every day — it adds up throughout the week," Fontes, who lives in Downtown Brooklyn, said. “I think it's just going to increase people hopping the train, which is also going to cause people to pay more fines, which is probably what the city wants."
Darien McGann, a Crown Heights-based CUNY student standing outside Hoyt Street station, agreed with Fontes and said he foresees the policy resulting in more turnstile hops. As someone who takes the train to and from class five days a week, he said the increase is “very inconvenient,” especially because he doesn’t work.
“So honestly, it’s just counterproductive,” McGann said.
Some riders who spoke to the BK Reader expressed support for the new fares under the condition that the revenue goes toward improving facilities and services.
“I'm okay with the increase as long as the services increase equally,” said Falosha Martin, who was selling vintage clothing outside of the Fulton Street station.
She said she doesn’t believe the MTA is doing a sufficient job of addressing station upkeep.
“The overall service could be better for the price,” Martin said.
Melissa Dimas was standing at a bus stop outside the Brooklyn Museum and said she wants to see delays reduced and rider safety from violence addressed.
“If the rider experience improves, then I'm okay with it, but if everything stays the status quo, why hike it?” Dimas said.
Nirvana Dipre, who was near the Grand Army Plaza stationon Monday, also wants to see safer and cleaner stations come out of the hike.
“I know there’s more police presence at the stations now, but I feel like they’re focused on the wrong things,” Dipre said. “I see them stopping little kids all the time hopping the train and I'm like, 'These kids get free Metrocards from school anyways, so what's the difference?'”
Faye Nikolaidis and Marnie Schwartz, who were walking through Prospect Park that morning, expressed indifference to the price hike.
“We’re resigned to it,” they said in unison.
“The MTA needs money and they don't spend their money efficiently, and so this is what has to be done,” Nikolaidis said. “It's cheaper than taking an Uber, and faster.”
