New Yorkers may see a price increase for weekly and monthly MetroCards next year. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Wednesday its two final proposals for a fare hike in 2017. Currently, it costs $2.75 per swipe but that could increase to $3 in March.
The proposals under consideration call for a fare and toll increase of approximately 4 percent, which would apply to all MTA’s trains, buses, tunnels and bridges. One proposal would keep the price of single swipe the same while lowering bonuses. A second proposal would increase the fare but also increase the bonus.
The changes to 7-day and 30-day unlimited ride cards are the same in both proposals. An unlimited ride 7-day card would increase from $31 to $32 and 30-day cards would increase from $116.50 to $121. MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast said:
“The MTA continues to keep its promise to make sure that fare and toll increases, while necessary to keep our system running, remain as low and possible and that they are done in as equitable a way as possible.”
Such proposals are expected as part of a plan that was put in place after the recession in 2009. The plan calls for fare increases every two years. Although the rise in fares is to be expected, New Yorkers do not necessarily welcome the increase.
A new member of the board, David. R. Jones, has been pushing for a program that offers half-price MetroCards to low-income New Yorkers. Jones was nominated to the board by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“That’s a lot of money, particularly for people who fall farther below the poverty line,” Jones said at a board meeting.
There will be a number of public meetings before a decision is made. After reviewing both proposals, the board will vote on the matter in January. New fares and tolls will take effect on March 19, 2017. according to the MTA website.
Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons
