One of the top issues Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigned on was his vow to make New York City MTA buses free. But that could take some doing, and might be easier said than done.
In the meantime, bus fares — along with subway and Access-A-Ride fares and tolls — will all, as planned, be increasing on Sunday.
How much will New York City mass transit fares rise?
The base fare for subways, local buses and Access-A-Ride will increase 10 cents, from $2.90 to $3. The reduced fare will increase from $1.45 to $1.50.
Express bus base fares will rise from $7 to $7.25 and the reduced fare from $3.50 to $3.60.
What about unlimited rides?
The automatic rolling seven-day fare cap for unlimited rides will become permanent. Pay as you go for 12 rides in a seven-day period and any additional rides are free. At the base fare, no rider will pay more than $35 in a week. Reduced-fare customers will pay no more than $17.50 in a week.
What if I still have a MetroCard?
Sales and refills of MetroCards stopped on Dec. 31, 2025, but they’ll still be acceptable for payment until later this year when they will go the way of the token and be phased out. The 30-day unlimited MetroCard is already gone. Currently, around 90 percent of transit riders use the OMNY payment system, mostly tapping their phone or credit card or also OMNY card at the turnstile.
How much will an OMNY card cost?
Once MetroCards are phased out, you can still buy an OMNY card, the cost of which will rise from $1 to $2. As the MTA notes, “OMNY cards are more durable and last for up to 5 years.”
Customers will still be able to preload $35 for unlimited seven-day travel onto an OMNY card — riding free after paying for 12 trips in any seven-day period — though pre-paying is not required for the unlimited rides. And, unlike unlimited MetroCards, any unused funds will roll over — no more “use it or lose it.”
How much will the price of Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North tickets rise?
Monthly and weekly tickets will increase up to 4.5% across both railroads. The MTA notes, however, that even with this increase, “monthly ticket prices will remain lower than they were pre-COVID and will not exceed $500.” All other ticket types will increase up to 8%.
For travel within New York City on LIRR or Metro-North, peak CityTicket will increase from $7 to $7.25 while off-peak will go up from $5 to $5.25.
Can I still buy my ticket onboard the train on the LIRR and Metro-North?
Yes, but the surcharge for tickets purchased onboard from a conductor will increase by $2 to $8.
What if I use the TrainTime app to buy my ticket onboard the train?
You’ll still have to pay the additional $2 surcharge.
Can I still use coins to pay for a bus ride?
No. “Tap and ride” will be required for all subway, local bus and express bus rides. However, cash and coins will continue to be accepted at card vending machines in subway stations and at any of the 2,700 local businesses that sell OMNY cards.
How much is the increase on tolls for MTA bridges and tunnels?
All toll rates will increase 7.5%. This includes E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail.
The existing toll discount programs for Queens, Bronx and Staten Island residents will remain in effect.
