MTA Adjusts Fare Hikes After Overwhelming Public Feedback

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has revised several proposed fare increases scheduled to take effect in January 2024, responding to significant public feedback. Over a six-week period, the agency received more than 1,300 comments from riders, advocates, and elected officials, prompting a re-evaluation of its initial plans.

In a notable change, the price of the seven-day cap, which allows riders making 12 paid trips within a week to ride free for the remainder of that week, will now increase by only $1—from $34 to $35. Initially, the MTA had proposed raising this fare to $36. Despite this adjustment, the cost of a single subway or bus ride is still expected to rise from $2.90 to $3.

Revisions to Ticket Policies and Fare Programs

The MTA has also amended the expiration policy for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North tickets. All tickets will now remain valid until 4 a.m. the following day, rather than expiring four hours after purchase.

Additionally, the age limit for the MTA’s “family fare” program, which allows families to pay $1 each for up to four children traveling with a fare-paying adult, will be raised from 11 to 17. Families can now use this program at any time during the week, expanding access beyond the previous restrictions that excluded morning rush-hour trains into Manhattan.

In another significant decision, the MTA has canceled a proposed 4.4% fare increase for the Metro-North’s West of Hudson service, which includes the Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines.

The MTA stated that the volume of public comments received following the announcement of fare increases in July was four times greater than during the previous fare hike in 2023. The agency’s board is scheduled to vote on these revised changes on Tuesday.

This responsive approach underscores the MTA’s recognition of the impact that fare increases have on riders, particularly in a region where public transportation is a critical lifeline for many.