On August 20, fare increases will go into effect across MTA subways, buses, and commuter railroads. Toll increases on bridges and tunnels went into effect on August 6.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the MTA agreed to implement fare increases every two years. Thanks to funding from Gov. Kathy Hochul, they were able to put off the 2021 scheduled fare increase.
Now, with ridership growing to almost pre-pandemic levels, the MTA decided to return to the regular fare increases that allow them to maintain current service levels and even increase service frequency.
With additional funding from New York State, the MTA claims they are able to keep the fare increase to 4%, rather than 5.5%. The MTA is always working to cut costs to reduce operating expenses and keep fares affordable for customers.
Changes to New York City Transit fares
- The base fare for subway, local buses and paratransit will increase 15 cents, from $2.75 to $2.90.
- 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.
- If you purchase a 7-Day or 30-Day Unlimited Ride pass at the current fare, you must begin using it by August 27 to get the full days of unlimited rides. If you begin using your pass after August 27, you will need to request a pro-rated refund for the remaining days after September 2 for a 7-Day pass or September 25 for a 30-Day pass. Unused passes will be refunded at the full purchase price.
- The reduced fare for eligible customers will remain half of the base fare. It will increase from $1.35 to $1.45.
- 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.
- Since Express Buses travel longer distances than local buses and use highways, New York City Transit provides coach buses and charges a higher fare than on local buses.
Changes to tolls
- The MTA is increasing toll rates 6% for customers using an E-ZPass issued by the New York Customer Service Center, which serves MTA Bridges and Tunnels, the New York State Thruway Authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
- Toll rates increase 10% for customers paying with an out-of-state E-ZPass or who choose to be tolled by mail.
See Bridges and Tunnels tolls.
- The existing toll discount programs for Rockaways/Broad Channel and Staten Island residents using the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, respectively, remain in effect.
Source: Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)
