The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board recently approved toll and fare increases, along with a series of fare and ticket policy changes on New York City Transit's subways and buses, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and the Metro-North Railroad. The vote was 11-0, with two abstentions.

Most of these changes will take effect in January 2026, aligning with the full system-wide rollout of the agency's tap-and-ride technology.

"Because the transit fare is a fraction of the cost of owning a car, New Yorkers spend less on transportation than people in the rest of the country, and we're determined to keep it that way," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "The modest fare increases approved today – which are below the rate of inflation — prioritize value for frequent riders and families while maintaining the MTA's bottom line."

According to an agency release, the fare increase remains below inflation, which would be $3.14 if it were adjusted to match the pace of inflation since the last increase in 2023. The MTA received feedback during a public comment period on concerns for citywide affordability, which helped them prioritize customer value in fare decisions.

These modifications followed an extensive six-week public comment period — featuring three hybrid public hearings, 22 public comment sessions at remote locations across the system, an online comment portal, and other channels provided. The MTA received a total of 1,378 comments, which is four times the number received in 2023.

New Fares, Discounts, and Policies Across MTA Systems

Subway, local bus, and Access-A-Ride base fares will increase by 10 cents to $3, with express bus fares rising to $7.25, and reduced fares increasing from $1.45 to $1.50. The MetroCard will be retired as the OMNY system expands, making seven-day fare-capping permanent and extending it to the express bus network.

For the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, fares will increase by an average of 4.5% on most tickets. At the same time, new policies will introduce a universal reduced-fare ticket, a $1 Family Fare for children up to age 17, and a new unlimited Day Pass. A "pay-as-you-go" mobile discount will replace the current 10-trip ticket, and one-way tickets will expire at 4 a.m. the following day.

Tolls at bridges and tunnels will also increase by 20 to 60 cents, though existing borough-specific discounts will remain. The changes, part of the MTA's 2025 budget, are intended to simplify fare structures while keeping pace with inflation.