MTA Brings In Higher Fares – Here Is How Much They Will Cost You
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has declared that fare adjustments across all modes of public transportation will take effect on August 20, starting tomorrow.
As stated by the MTA, fares for subways, buses, and commuter railroads will each witness a 4% increment. This escalation stems from a plan that was in place before the COVID-19 pandemic, outlining fare and toll increases every two years. Due to the pandemic’s impact, the intended price hikes were postponed, with the planned 2021 increase being deferred to the current date.
“With ridership rebounding, we’re returning to the routine fare adjustments that enable us to uphold existing service levels and even enhance service frequency,” states the MTA on its official website.
The decision to resume toll and fare hikes was ratified by the MTA Board in the previous month. Toll increases for bridges and tunnels were already initiated on August 6, incorporating a 6% surge for E-ZPass users and a 10% upswing for those who choose to pay via mail.
The MTA elucidates that the relatively modest fare increase was attainable due to supplementary funds from the state of New York, clarifying that the hike would have reached 5.5% in the absence of these additional resources.
In light of the 4% escalation, the existing $2.75 fare for subways, local buses, and para-transit will be adjusted to $2.90. Individuals qualifying for reduced fares will now be required to pay $1.45, an increase from the previous $1.35.
The fare for a Seven-Day Unlimited Ride pass will see a rise from $33 to $34, while the expense for a 30-Day Unlimited Ride pass will climb from $127 to $132.
For Express Buses, the base fare will elevate by 25 cents, shifting from $6.75 to $7. The fee for a Seven-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus pass will shift from $62 to $64.
Commuters of the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and Metro-North will also experience fare adjustments, with monthly and weekly fares on both railroads undergoing an increase of up to 4.5%. Comprehensive details regarding all fare and toll alterations can be accessed on the MTA’s official website.
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