MTA Proposes Fare Increases for Public Transit

News Summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has proposed fare increases for subway and bus services, raising the base fare from $2.90 to $3.00 and express bus fares by 25 cents. Tolls on major crossings will also increase by approximately 7.5%. The MTA plans to eliminate MetroCards in favor of the OMNY payment system by January 2026, with reduced fares for seniors and disabled riders also rising. A new fare cap system for weekly rides may offer some savings for regular commuters, but concerns remain about service reliability and public engagement.

MTA Proposes Impactful Fare Increases for Public Transit

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is shaking things up with a proposed fare increase that could change the way you get around town. Anyone who rides the subway or local buses should pay attention because the base fare is set to rise from $2.90 to $3. The next time you hop on for your morning commute, you might be digging a little deeper into your pockets.

So, what’s the deal? The MTA plans to put this fare hike to a vote in the fall with the changes officially kicking in as of January 2026. That might seem like a while away, but it’s never too early to plan for those extra cents!

Big News for Express Bus Riders

For those who prefer the express bus, brace yourselves. The fare is set to climb from $7 to $7.25. This increase marks a noticeable shift, as it creates the widest gap in pricing history between local and express fares. If you’ve been relying on these services, you might be feeling the pinch as the higher fare takes effect.

But that’s not all; tolls on major crossings are also jumping approximately 7.5%. For instance, if you’re taking the E-ZPass through the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, it will go from $6.94 to $7.46. Staten Island residents will see their discount adjust too, moving from $3.90 to $4.19.

MetroCard Transitioning to OMNY

Let’s talk about the payment system! By January 2026, MetroCards will be phased out, and the MTA is fully moving to the OMNY payment system. You’ll no longer be able to purchase MetroCards, and by later that year, all MetroCard readers will disappear. Plus, local buses will stop accepting coins as payment, making OMNY the go-to option. It’s convenient, but will you be ready for the switch?

Potential New Cap on Weekly Fares

There’s a little good news in the mix: a seven-day fare cap system is being introduced. This means after you pay for your first 12 rides, you can ride for free for the rest of the week! Local buses will have a cap at $36, while express buses will cap at $67. This could be a great perk for regular commuters looking to save a bit.

Concerns from Riders

And where’s the community voice in all of this? The MTA has been criticized for not holding enough public hearings that cater specifically to the impacts of these proposed changes. This has left many feeling unheard and concerned about what these fare increases will mean for the quality of service they receive.

Addressing Senior and Disabled Rider Fare Increases

$1.45 to $1.50. While any increase can be hard to swallow, it’s especially tough for those on fixed incomes who may rely heavily on public transport.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Silive: 6 Changes for NYC Commuters in 2026
• Wikipedia: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• NY1: MTA Proposes Fare and Toll Increases
• Google Search: MTA fare increase
• AM New York: Staten Island Express Buses Fare Hike
• Google Scholar: MTA fare changes
• Transportation Today: MTA Proposed Fare Increases
• Encyclopedia Britannica: MTA
• News 12: MTA Proposing Fare Hikes
• Google News: MTA fare hike 2026

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.