MTA Puts Off Fare Hike for Now

By Y.M. Lowy

Subway and bus riders won’t see higher fares in August, despite earlier plans from the MTA. A fare hike can’t happen that soon because the process takes time and includes public hearings. The process will likely begin later in the year, but no specific timeline has been set.

Back in December, the MTA board approved a $19.9 billion budget that assumed a possible 4% fare and toll increase. At the time, officials said the hike wasn’t guaranteed and would depend on support from different levels of government.

Since 2009, the MTA has typically raised fares by about 4% every two years, with the exception of 2021. While a hike may still come, it won’t be happening this summer.