In the midst of strong opposition from passengers, advocacy groups, and elected officials, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced adjustments to some planned fare increases originally set to take effect in January next year. Since revealing the fare hike plan in July, MTA has received over 1,300 comments, four times more than the previous fare hike in 2023.
According to the latest revised proposal, passengers who purchase a weekly pass and complete 12 paid rides within seven days will be able to ride for free on any remaining trips. The cost of this weekly pass will only be increased by $1, from $34 to $35, lower than the initial plan of $36.
The fare for subway and bus single rides will still be raised from $2.90 to $3.
Tickets for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North will no longer be restricted to use within four hours but will be valid until 4 a.m. the next day.
The age limit for children using family discount tickets will be raised from 11 to 17 years old, allowing up to four children to travel with one paying adult at a rate of $1 per person. This discount can be used at any time within a week, without excluding peak commute hours to Manhattan.
The planned 4.4% fare increase for the Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines west of the Hudson River on Metro-North has been canceled.
The MTA board will vote on the revised fare increase plan on Tuesday.