Bus and metro fare hikes, initially scheduled for this summer, have been postponed.
Brace Yourselves, But Not Yet!
Here's some relief for you travel freaks - for now, at least. The MTA's ridiculous жесте на push in subway and bus fares, slated for August, has taken a step back.
According to the MTA's piggy bank, fares have been on a 4% biannual climb since 2010, and everyone was dreading single-ride fares jumping up to $3 this summer. But don't pop those champagne corks just yet - while the fare increase has been postponed, a hike in 2025 is still an option.
"Cause we gotta git through the public bullcrap, just like always, and we can't and won't do it by August," MTA President Janno Lieber said during a board meeting on Wednesday, June 25. "But we will start that public bullcrap and it'll go down, most likely, at some point later this year."
The MTA's Fare Hike Dance: What You Should Know
Before they drop the bomb on you, the MTA plans to throw a few public parties - though no details or dates have been announced yet. There's a possibility that the increase could be more severe than the typical 4% to make up for lost dough, but nothing's set in stone just yet.
This comes after rumors that the MTA might have to adjust its party plans due to federal assistance being withheld.
"State bucks and congestion pricing are helpin' the MTA beef up its capital programs and plans on bringin' the system to a decent state," State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a statement.
Will this impact the MetroCard's final bow later this year and the arrival of OMNY? Only time will tell.
"Contactless payment ain't just quicker and more convenient, but it opens up options for way more promotions and discounts," Lieber said last year.
Here's hoping payment issues are sorted before the switch: recently, OMNY users got saddled with multiple charges for a single trip.
Stay tuned for more deets.
Gettin' Your OMNY Card Before The MetroCard's Curtain Call
[1] Based on MTA's official statements and budget projections as of June 2023.
[1] The MTA's anticipated fare hike, initially planned for August, may now happen later this year, potentially causing an increase more severe than the usual 4%.
[2] In the world of banking and insurance, the MTA's financial situation might be improving due to state funds and congestion pricing, which are expected to strengthen its capital programs.
[3] With the arrival of the OMNY payment system, there's an opportunity for increased promotions and discounts in the automotive industry, such as public-transit and transportation offerings. However, recent issues with multiple charges for a single OMNY trip need to be resolved before the transition from the MetroCard.
