Subway Fares Skyrocket to $3 as Riders Struggle with Inflation and Lackluster Service
The MTA's decision to increase subway fares by 10 cents has left commuters like Tom Nimen, who has been riding the subway for over 50 years, feeling frustrated. "I think the service is lackluster at best," Nimen said, commending to Union Square station from Crown Heights on Sunday. He shared that he used to have to choose between paying his fare or buying food, a situation many other riders now face.
The MTA has opted for incremental fare hikes every two years rather than waiting for a larger increase like some regional train systems. The agency claims the move is necessary to combat inflation and rising operating costs. However, riders are still grumbling about the price. "It sucks, but I get why they're doing it," said 23-year-old commuter Arun Lakshman. He acknowledged that affordability has become a significant concern for many, leading to increased complaints.
The MTA recently released data showing subway trains were on time 83.7% of the time last year, up from 2024's average weekday on-time performance of 81.6%. On weekends, the figure was 86.6%, up from 84.2% in 2024. However, this improved performance has not alleviated riders' frustration with the higher fare.
In fact, many commuters pointed out that even if the subway is running more efficiently, it's still not good enough to justify a $3 fare. "If you're gonna pay $3, we better have world-class service now," said Ian Ward, 28. He expressed his concern about seeing rats on the subway and track work being done.
The MTA's decision to increase fares isn't the only change riders will face this year. The agency has also transitioned away from the iconic yellow and blue Metrocard to OMNY, a tap-to-pay system. Additionally, modern fare gates are being tested in a pilot program aimed at reducing fare evasion, which cost the MTA around $400 million last year.
Meanwhile, other forms of public transportation have seen significant price hikes as well. The express bus fare increased by 15 cents, while tolls on nine bridges and tunnels owned by the MTA rose 7.5%. Weekly and monthly tickets for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro North are up 4.5%.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that New Yorkers are still struggling with affordability issues in the five boroughs. He reiterated his commitment to making the city's buses free, saying "one in five New Yorkers were being priced out of [public transit] when the fare was $2.90."
The MTA's decision to increase subway fares by 10 cents has left commuters like Tom Nimen, who has been riding the subway for over 50 years, feeling frustrated. "I think the service is lackluster at best," Nimen said, commending to Union Square station from Crown Heights on Sunday. He shared that he used to have to choose between paying his fare or buying food, a situation many other riders now face.
The MTA has opted for incremental fare hikes every two years rather than waiting for a larger increase like some regional train systems. The agency claims the move is necessary to combat inflation and rising operating costs. However, riders are still grumbling about the price. "It sucks, but I get why they're doing it," said 23-year-old commuter Arun Lakshman. He acknowledged that affordability has become a significant concern for many, leading to increased complaints.
The MTA recently released data showing subway trains were on time 83.7% of the time last year, up from 2024's average weekday on-time performance of 81.6%. On weekends, the figure was 86.6%, up from 84.2% in 2024. However, this improved performance has not alleviated riders' frustration with the higher fare.
In fact, many commuters pointed out that even if the subway is running more efficiently, it's still not good enough to justify a $3 fare. "If you're gonna pay $3, we better have world-class service now," said Ian Ward, 28. He expressed his concern about seeing rats on the subway and track work being done.
The MTA's decision to increase fares isn't the only change riders will face this year. The agency has also transitioned away from the iconic yellow and blue Metrocard to OMNY, a tap-to-pay system. Additionally, modern fare gates are being tested in a pilot program aimed at reducing fare evasion, which cost the MTA around $400 million last year.
Meanwhile, other forms of public transportation have seen significant price hikes as well. The express bus fare increased by 15 cents, while tolls on nine bridges and tunnels owned by the MTA rose 7.5%. Weekly and monthly tickets for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro North are up 4.5%.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that New Yorkers are still struggling with affordability issues in the five boroughs. He reiterated his commitment to making the city's buses free, saying "one in five New Yorkers were being priced out of [public transit] when the fare was $2.90."
, these subway fares are just getting crazy! like 3 bucks is a lot for anyone on a tight budget. and yeah, service has been pretty sketchy lately. i mean, who wants to pay more just to deal with rats and construction 
. the mta's gotta do better than that. and can we talk about how they're making it harder on people already struggling? like, if you can't afford a $3 subway ride, what are you supposed to do? 
i get that inflation is a thing, but 10 cents every two years adds up fast 
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the mta needs to rethink its pricing strategy lol they're trying to combat inflation but are just passing it on to us instead of like actually doing something about it i mean i get that they need money but 3 bucks is a lot and not everyone can afford it especially seniors or ppl who have limited income 
the subway is literally sucking now 
. I mean, yeah the trains are running on time more often which is cool 
but that's not gonna make up for the $3 fare 
. If you're gonna pay that kinda cash we need better service stat 
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. I've been riding this subway for years and it's always some kinda problem. The rats? Track work? Are they kidding me?! $3 is way too much 
. Can't we just have decent service at a reasonable price?
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They're just a bunch of fancy machines that are supposed to reduce evasion, but I'm not buying it (pun intended). And what's up with OMNY? It's like they want us to tap our way out of paying our fares 
Mayor Mamdani saying one in five New Yorkers were being priced out of public transit when the fare was $2.90 is just devastating. We need to see some real change here.
. And yeah, I see the data about on-time performance being up, but who cares if the trains are running on time when they're still taking forever to get to where you want them to go? 
that's just gross 
it just makes everything more confusing
we need better public transportation that actually serves us not just pockets the money 
! I feel sorry for Tom Nimen, dude, been riding the rails for 50 years and now he's got to choose between paying his fare or buying food 
. Like, what's next? Charging us for every step we take? 
On the bright side, the MTA is trying to make things more efficient, but 83.7% on-time performance? That's like me saying I'm 97.7% likely to show up on time for my next comedy gig 
. Let's hope the MTA can get its act together and make subway fares more affordable for us commuters 
. And can we talk about how boring it is to deal with all these new payment systems? I mean, who thought OMNY was a good idea? It's like they want us to feel like we're being tracked every time we ride the subway 
. But hey, at least we're getting a free bus, right? Not 
. But honestly, can't they just keep it simple? We don't need all this extra stuff, we just wanna get from point A to point B without breakin the bank 
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, but at the same time, I think we need some kinda balance. Maybe they could just raise fares every like 5 years or somethin' 
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they're always finding ways to squeeze more cash from us commuters. I mean, come on, we're already feeling the pinch with inflation and all, so now they're gonna jack up subway fares to 3 bucks? it's just not right. at least give us some decent service for once 
those rats in the subway are a major turn off lol. seriously though, $3 is way too much for anyone, let alone low-income riders who can barely make ends meet 
plus, 3 bucks is just ridiculous for a ride thats 10 min long 
subway prices need to be rethought ASAP