The increase is 10 cents above the $2.90 fare established in 2023.
New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently put into effect a subway fare increase to $3 per ride. The increase became official on Sunday when riders were first charged 10 cents more per ride.
The previous fare of $2.90 was established in 2023.
The fare increase that went into effect on Sunday is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s second increase in just over 10 years.
Prior to the 2023 increase to $2.90, the fare was raised to $2.75 from $2.50 in 2015.
Some subway riders expressed concerns over the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s appropriation of funds.
“The MTA constantly misappropriates funds. Instead of installing new turnstile, they could actually improve the service,” said Seana Steele, 41, in a recent interview.
“They’re so concerned about people jumping the turnstile. If [rides] were more affordable and available to everyone, that wouldn’t be an issue,” said Steele.
“It always feels bad. It felt bad when it went from 15 cents to 20 cents,” said David Spectra, 71, recalling a fare hike from July of 1966.
“It’s just another New York City thing,” he added.
The fare hike coincides with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s transition from MetroCard swipes to OMNY tap and ride.
Subway and bus fares are normally increased every two years, typically in August. The current increase was delayed for six months due to the transition to OMNY tap and ride.
The subway fare hike comes as new Mayor Zohran Mamdani has promised to make the bus system in the city completely free. The plan would cost $700 million, which Mamdani plans to pay for by raising taxes on corporations and high-earning individuals.
