COMMUTERS are set for another costly blow just months after a much-maligned $9 fee hit drivers in a major US city.
Fare hikes for the subway, buses and commuter rail services are all coming in, along with bridge and tunnel tolls.
GettyFrom $9 driver fees to subway fare hikes, NYC’s commuters face mounting financial strain[/caption] GettyWhether driving or riding, New Yorkers are feeling the pinch as MTA policies hit wallets hard[/caption] GettyTransit costs rise again as fare increases and congestion pricing hit[/caption] GettyThese recent costs have left some commuters questioning affordability[/caption] GettyThe recently introduced congestion toll hits drivers entering Manhattan during peak hours[/caption]CBS News recently reported on a new MTA proposal that will see commuters in New York City forced to pay even more each day.
Many view it as yet another significant financial strain, following the congestion pricing program introduced earlier this year.
The proposal includes a $0.10 increase in subway and bus fares, raising them from $2.90 to $3, while Express bus fares would go up by $0.25, from $7 to $7.25.
Bridge and tunnel tolls will also increase by $0.20 to $0.60, and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North one-way peak tickets will increase by up to 4.4%.
A free commuter rail trip will be offered after 10 rides within two weeks.
There will also be a new weekday day pass to provide a 10% discount on the cost of two peak one-way tickets.
Many commuters seemed simply indifferent or resigned to the hikes.
Speaking to a reporter, one said: “What difference does it make? It was like $2.90 and now it’s $3?”
Another added: “Well, as long as they’re using it to improve the rides.”
Although a third said: “The thing is I’m not going to stop taking the subway or the Metro-North because it is way cheaper than driving in and more efficient, so they can keep raising it, I’ll still have to take it.”
Mayor Eric Adams has opposed the hikes, arguing the current fares are already unaffordable for many New Yorkers – as he called for better transit service before increases are considered.
He added: “Proposing a fare hike without demonstrating meaningful improvements is offensive to hard-working New Yorkers, and that’s why I’m urging all board appointees to vote no on this proposal.
“We strongly oppose this fare increase and remain committed to fighting for a more affordable and equitable city.”
If they’re approved, these changes will come into force in January 2026.
This comes months after a $9 congestion fee for drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours was introduced – which caused outrage from suburban commuters and truck drivers.
Indeed, trucks face even steeper charges, ranging from $14.40 to $21.60.
The fee, which took effect on January 5, is intended to reduce traffic, lower pollution and generate funds for public transit.
However, it has ignited outrage from those that regularly drive into the city, as well as small businesses and even advocacy groups – all who view it as an unfair financial burden.
President Donald Trump attempted to halt the program, calling it a “slap in the face” to struggling Americans, but New York Governor Kathy Hochul defended the fee, citing its benefits.
NEW YORK CONGESTION TOLL
NEW York has become the first major US city to introduce a form of congestion pricing:
Starting January 5, 2025, most vehicles will have to pay a $9 congestion toll in parts of New York City. The affected area is everything south up to and including 60th Street in Manhattan, where Central Park starts. Only the FDR Drive, on the east side of the island, the West Side Highway, on the west side, and the Hugh L Carey Tunnel which connects them at the southern tip, will be excluded from congestion tolls, provided you don’t exit them into Manhattan at or below 60th Street. The idea is to reduce congestion in Manhattan, improve air quality, and fund the MTA. The toll affects the majority of cars, SUVs, small vans, and pickup trucks. Vehicles eligible for the toll must have an E-ZPass, which will charge them $9 once per day. That toll will go down to $2.25 during overnight hours. Peak traffic hours are between 5 am and 9 pm on weekdays, and between 9 am and 0 pm on weekends. Drivers without an E-ZPass will be mailed their bills and will have to pay more – $13.50 for peak hours and $3.30 overnight. Motorcyclists will pay half what cars pay – $4.50 – during peak. Buses and trucks, depending on their size, will pay more. Exceptions include certain emergency vehicles, school buses, the disabled who are unable to take public transport, and those who transport them. Low-income drivers who pay the toll 10 times a month can apply for a 50% discount on trips they take for the rest of the month. Passengers in taxis and for-hire vehicles will have a per-trip surcharge added to their fares, working out at 75 cents for people taking taxis, green cabs, and black cars, and $1.50 for Uber or Lyft passengers.Hence then, the article about commuters set for another blow after detested 9 fee hitting drivers every time they use certain roads comes into force was published today ( ) and is available on The U.S. Sun ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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