What to Know
- The MTA's latest fare hike went into effect Sunday, March 19 at midnight
- The base fare stays at $2.75, single rides remain $3, but weekly and monthly MetroCards increased to $32 and $121, respectively
- The cash toll at the Verrazano-Narrows increased to $17, while E-ZPass tolls will go up to $11.52
Straphangers will be shelling out more for their daily commutes as MTA's most recent fare hike takes effect.
Unlimited Ride MetroCard fares went up from $31 to $32 for the seven-day card and from $116.50 to $121 for the 30-day card. The one-way base fare remains the same at $2.75 for subways and local buses, and the cash fare remains at $6.50 for Express buses.
Reduced-fare Unlimited Ride MetroCards cost $16.00 for a seven-day card $60.50 for a 30-day card. Single Ride Tickets stay at $3.
For both Express buses and pay-per-ride fares, a 5 percent bonus is added when commuters buy or add $5.50 more to their MetroCards.
Drivers aren't exempt from the fare hike — bridge and tunnel tolls went up as well.
Local
The E-ZPass toll at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge increased by 44 cents to $11.52, while cash tolls increased $1 to $17. The toll is only paid when crossing from Brooklyn to Staten Island.
At the Queens-Midtown Tunnel and the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, the toll increased 22 cents to $5.76.
For those looking to save some cash on their daily commute, stock up on 11 percent bonus cards, specifically the $40 MetroCards with a $4.40 bonus. However, keep in mind that will only last about a year and a half.
For a complete breakdown of pricing and bonuses, visit the MTA's website for more information or click here for more fare update information.
The fare hike was approved by the MTA board January 25. Despite straphangers' grumbles about skyrocketing fares, the transit agency says it's the lowest fare and toll increase in eight years.
The agency added that of the 180,000 vehicles that cross the narrows daily, roughly 77 percent already avail of discounts.
Over half of the MTA's $15.6 billion annual operating budget is derived from fares and tolls, according to BKYLNER.
