New York MTA fares go up again
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefFares rose again Thursday for customers of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, still struggling to fill a large gap in MTA’s operating budget. Single-ride subway fares rose to $2.50, and while MTA’s 30-day unlimited pass remained in existence, its price is now $104. Weekly cards are now $29. MTA’ 14-day passes and one-day "fun pass" options have been discontinued.
It’s the third fare hike in three years for subway, bus, and regional rail riders (Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road). MTA officials say that there was no way to put off the fare hike, though proponents of congestion pricing for New York City have argued otherwide.
“The fare hike is something that has been in plans for six months,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Jay Walder. “We’ve gone through a consideration process and public hearings. It has to go forward at this point. The agency fundamentally needs the resources.”
Tolls on MTA bridge and tunnel crossings also increased.
