NEW YORK—Disruptions to buses, subways, and rail service due to Sunday's massive blizzard have angered many commuters, but now public transport users are also faced with fare hikes.
The controversial Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) rate increases take effect today. Heated hearings and protests have surrounded the hikes since they hit the table in March.
According to the MTA website, fares will not increase for groups that already receive reduced fares, such as students, senior citizens, and the disabled.
The base fare for the subway and the buses will stay the same at $2.25, while the single-ride ticket will rise to $2.50.
The main changes that the MTA riders will notice affect the unlimited MetroCard passes. Commuters will have to pay $104, or $15 more, for the monthly unlimited pass. The price for the weekly unlimited pass will rise by $2 to $29, and the 14-day and one-day passes will be discontinued.
This is the third MTA fare hike in three years. The rates were previously increased in June 2009 and March 2008.
The MTA said that this year's hike is necessary to partially close the deficit, which is projected to be more than $300 million in 2011.
