NYC Transit Fares Rise — Funding System Modernization
MTA raises base subway and bus fares to $3.05, with monthly passes now $132
MTA Raises Fares 4% Across NYC Transit
New York City subway and bus riders are paying more for their commutes after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority raised fares Sunday. The base subway and local bus fare increased from $2.90 to $3.05, while weekly unlimited passes rose from $33 to $34 and monthly passes jumped from $127 to $132, according to the MTA. The increases, which took effect January 5, also apply to Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and bridge and tunnel tolls.
Part of Biennial Adjustment Policy
The fare hike is part of the MTA's biennial fare adjustment policy adopted in 2019, which schedules regular increases every two years. Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said the budget keeps the agency on track to deliver better service and continue modernizing the system. The previous fare increase took effect in August 2023, when the base fare rose from $2.75 to $2.90. Transit agencies nationwide are facing financial pressures as they work to recover from pandemic-era ridership declines while maintaining service levels.
Express Bus and Commuter Rail Also Affected
Express bus fares increased from $6.75 to $7.00 under the new rates. LIRR and Metro-North fares also rose approximately 4%, with specific amounts varying by zone and ticket type, though the MTA hasn't released detailed fare tables for all commuter rail zones. Bridge and tunnel tolls increased by roughly the same percentage, with specific amounts depending on the facility and payment method. Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, told reporters these increases are modest but they add up for regular riders who depend on transit every day.
Increases Approved in December
The MTA Board approved the fare and toll increases December 18 as part of the agency's 2025 operating budget and 2025-2028 capital program. The approximately 4% increase applies across subway, bus, commuter rail, and bridge and tunnel services. The MTA hasn't publicly disclosed the total expected revenue from the fare increases or released projections on how the changes may affect ridership levels.
What Riders Need to Know
The fare increases affect millions of daily riders across the New York metropolitan area, with average weekday subway ridership at approximately 3.6 million passengers. Danny Pearlstein, Policy and Communications Director for Riders Alliance, said riders understand that fare increases are part of keeping the system running, but they expect better service in return. Commuters can check Moovit for real-time updates on subway, bus, and commuter rail schedules across the MTA network.
