MTA fare hike one step closer to reality

NEW YORK (PIX11) – The MTA board voted to approve a 2025 budget plan on Wednesday, which includes an expected transit fare and toll hike in August of 2025.

Commuters could pay up to 4 percent more for city subways and buses, as well as Metro North and LIRR trains. That would amount to $3 for a one-way ride on the subways and buses.

Subway commuters like Mazzi told PIX11 News "It's not right, you know bills are super expensive, rent, electric, and now the fare? It's not fair!"

MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber stressed at a news conference that it is not a done deal. Lieber said, “Actions are needed from multiple levels of government for any fare increase to be effectuated. It is in our financial plan, but so are many standard hypotheticals.”

The MTA board would have to vote on any fare increase, which would be followed by public hearings and then implemented in August. Governor Kathy Hochul could also stop the fare hike, as she did in 2021.

The rate increase is one of the revenue streams expected to help the MTA generate about $2.6 billion by 2028. Those funds are expected to help cover about $15 billion in repairs and infrastructure.

It comes as New Yorkers are about to be hit with a $9 per day toll to drive into Manhattan south of 60th Street. A charge that is supposed to help fund public transportation.

Vijay Tharwani, the owner of Custom Men Tailors in Midtown, told PIX11 News "It's worrisome because customers might not come during weekdays or when they think they're going to pay more, so it's going to affect our business."

A fare increase in 2025 would mark the first hike since August 2023, when fares went from $2.75 to $2.90.