Straphanger will soon be digging even deeper for their daily commute.
Starting on March 22, single rides on city subways and buses will jump to $2.75. The 25 cent base fare hike was approved by the MTA board this morning.
Monthly MetroCards will increase by $4.50 to $116.50. A four percent increase will also apply to MTA bridges and tunnels, and Long Island Rail Road tickets.
The agency also doubled the bonus riders get when they put money for more than two rides on their Metrocards. The bonus increases to 11 percent from five percent, for riders who load more than $5.50. MTA Chairman and CEO Tom Prendergast and other transit officials said the MTA needs to do a better job of informing riders about the cost-saving bonus and may launch an ad campaign to help riders better understand the benefits. “Folks should really do the math,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg during the meeting. “The proposal is as fair as it can be under the circumstances.” The MTA board held a series of public meetings throughout the metro area in December to discuss the proposed increases. Another proposal was being considered, and would have kept base rates at $2.50, but eliminate the bonus. Prendergast said the “modest” increase was necessary to maintain the level of service and balance the budget and ensure a “higher quality of service.”
Riders took to twitter to voice their anger about the fare hike and what thery’re getting — or not getting — for their money.
MTA, another org that throws money away. Useless spending. Crooked org. Why don’t you sell off some of ur buildings that are sitting empty.
— Bionx Holdings (@BionxHoldings) January 22, 2015
The MTA has nerve increasing the tolls when half the time the trains are never on time or never working
— Fluffy Combs (@KeyKeyBoomBoom) January 22, 2015
The worst part about these MTA price hikes is i have absolutely no choice in the matter. I have to get to work. Damn them.
— Brenda Fadey (@cakeandeggs) January 22, 2015
@MTA You guys should make exceptions for college students. We already have to pay tuition. Education is important isn’t it
— Kathy. (@iKathynyc) January 22, 2015
But trains always run on time and never get stuck in the middle of a tunnel w/o power. So it makes sense. #MTA
— Taylor Tepper (@TaylorTepper) January 22, 2015
Heres the problem with fare hikes @MTA, ur service NEVER gets better
— Leonye (@molleethemaid) January 22, 2015
I hope $2.75 can help the @mta finally make the express train on the yellow line faster than the local. https://t.co/TAHNtWsHe1
— Dorsey Shaw (@dorseyshaw) January 22, 2015
