The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has approved fare hikes for the city’s subways and buses. Effective August 20, a 15-cent (5 percent) increase will boost subway fares from $2.75 to $2.90. The MTA board also voted to raise the monthly passes on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad by as much as 4.5 percent, while tolls on bridges and tunnels will increase by 6 percent for drivers paying with E-ZPass and 10 percent for those paying by mail.
“It’s not without its downsides, because anytime you’re asking people to pay a little more, you know that has consequences,” said MTA chairman Janno Lieber. “But for everybody who depends on this transit system — like I always say, mass transit is like air and water for New Yorkers — we need it.”
Toll increases on bridges and tunnels will go into effect on August 6. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride pass will increase from $33 to $34, and the 30-Day Unlimited Ride pass will increase from $127 to $132. Discount programs for students, seniors, and Paratransit customers will not change. The Express Bus base fare will increase from $6.75 to $7, and the 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus pass will increase from $62 to $64
