Bus and metro fare hikes, initially scheduled for this summer, have been postponed.
Great news for subway riders (for now)! The MTA's proposed increase in bus and subway fares, initially scheduled for August, has been delayed.
Hold onto your wallets for a bit longer, commuters. The MTA's promised fare hike, had it gone through, would have raised single rides to a staggering $3 this summer. But fear not, the plan's been pushed back.
At a board meeting on June 25, MTA Chair Janno Lieber announced that the increased fares won't be enacted in August. However, the possibility of a fare hike in 2025 still looms.
"Given the nature of the public process, and we always do, it cannot and will not be in August," Lieber explained. "But we will initiate the public process, which will likely happen later in the year."
Fare increase postponed: the lowdown
Before the fare change takes effect, the MTA is planning to hold public hearings. As of now, no information or timeline has been provided. There's a chance that the increase could surpass the usual 4%, but the specifics aren't clear yet.
This announcement comes after news that the MTA may need to alter its improvement plans due to federal fund withholds.
"State funds and congestion pricing have helped the MTA bolster its capital programs and plans to bring the system into repair. However, it might need to take on more debt or delay projects if federal decisions undermine recent progress," stated Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
As for the gradual phase-out of the MetroCard and the introduction of OMNY, we'll have to wait and see.
"Contactless payment is not only faster and more convenient, but it will offer even more opportunities for discounts and promotions. It's a much more dynamic system," Lieber said last year.
Here's hoping payment issues are resolved before the switch: OMNY users have experienced double charges for a single ride recently.
This story is still unfolding, so keep an eye out for updates.
Getting yourself an OMNY card before the MetroCard becomes extinct
References
- MTA Press Release
- MTA's 2025-2029 Capital Program
- NY Daily News
- The City
- NYPost
- The MTA's delay in implementing the fare increase could provide a temporary respite for the public transit users, who were bracing for a potential rise in fares up to $3, affecting both bus and subway commuters.
- The postponement of the proposed fare hike has also created uncertainty around the transportation industry, as businesses and finance sectors critically evaluate the potential impact on commuters and city's economy.
- Meanwhile, the MTA is planning to initiate public hearings for the fare increase, indicating the importance of public feedback in the decision-making process within the industry, particularly affecting sectors such as finance and business.
