MTA approves fare hike to for NYC subway and buses, along with increases for LIRR and Metro-North services.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has officially approved a fare increase for subway and bus rides in New York City, set to take effect in early January 2026. The decision was passed with an 11-0 vote by the MTA board on Tuesday, signifying a move to elevate the fare from .90 to .00 per ride. This adjustment comes amidst a broader fare revision that will also impact Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North commuter rail services.

In conjunction with the subway and bus fare increase, the express bus fee will see a rise of 25 cents, from to .25, with a weekly cap set at when utilizing the OMNY fare-payment system. The fare for a weekly unlimited ride will be maintained at a total cost of .

For the LIRR and Metro-North, the fare adjustments will average a 4.4% increase for single ticket purchases, with some tickets rising by as much as 8%. The cost of monthly and weekly passes will increase by about 4.5%. However, it is important to note that these fare hikes do not apply to services operating west of the Hudson River, managed by New Jersey Transit. The City Ticket, designed for commutes within New York City on commuter rail, is set to experience a modest increase as well, rising to .25 during peak hours and to .25 during off-peak times.

This fare adjustment is significant as it marks the first increase since 2023. Previous hikes had raised fares from .75 to the current .90. The timing of this fare increase aligns with the MTA’s transition away from the traditional MetroCard system to the more modern OMNY tap-to-pay system, which allows riders to utilize smartphones and payment cards for seamless access to services.

Fares represent approximately 26% of the MTA’s annual operating budget, which funds various operational expenses, including payroll and healthcare for employees responsible for the continuous operation of the subway, buses, and commuter rail services. MTA officials have indicated that the revenue generated from fare increases is vital for maintaining these essential transportation services.

The fare hike is part of the agency’s ongoing strategy to manage financial demands and improve service efficiency, all while addressing the needs of a sprawling metropolitan area reliant on its public transport system. The MTA’s operational budget is distinct from its five-year capital budget, which focuses on larger infrastructure repairs and improvements, partially funded through New York City’s congestion pricing tolls.

As the city continues to evolve, how these changes will affect ridership and overall service quality remains to be seen.