Transportation will look a little different in NYC in the coming months.
The MTA fare hike, which New Yorkers expected in summer 2025, will now take place on January 4th, 2026.
To top off the increase, this change coincides with the time of the year when the MetroCard will phase out and OMNY will take its place.
What we know about the MTA fare hike
Earlier this summer, the MTA experienced delays in rolling out the hike, leaving straphangers temporarily off the hook.
“Because of the nature of the public process, and we’re going to have the public process that we always do, it cannot and won’t be in August,” MTA Chair Janno Lieber said on Wednesday, June 25th during a board meeting.
Now, the MTA addressed it all during the July 30th board meeting.
Commuters should expect a 4% increase on subways and buses, ultimately making single rides $3.
The MTA plans to eliminate the 30-day unlimited fare option, making the seven-day fare cap travelers’ only way to get unlimited rides. The cost for weekly will rise from $34 to $36. After riders spend $36 they’ll get unlimited rides for the rest of the seven-day period, per Gothamist.
Additionally, there will be a new unlimited weekly pass for express bus users once they spend $67 in a week.
Per 1010 Wins, the MTA has planned hikes for both 2025 and 2027 to generate revenue and attempt to ease into the increases rather than surprise commuters with a dramatic hike.
“Expenses grow at inflation and so do our revenues,” Jai Patel, the MTA’s co-chief financial officer, told 1010 Wins. “So in order for us not to have large deficits, it is financially a smart thing for us to continue to do.”
The transportation agency is likely to report a multi-year plan at today’s meeting and address its deficits.
In the meantime, as new changes roll out, we’re getting New Yorkers prepared for what’s ahead. Have a look at the map that shows every station in NYC with OMNY machines, learn how to get an OMNY card before the MetroCard disappears, and see if you potentially qualify for the free student OMNY card.
Even though we New Yorkers could be set in our ways, we’re here to help you transition into this new phase.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more information.