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MTA hearings begin on proposed fare and toll hikes

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 22:45 GMT by

MTA Announces New Fare and Toll Hikes; Hearings Set to Begin in New York

By [Your Name] – Brooklyn News 12

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has opened the door for a series of public hearings that will determine whether the agency’s proposed increases to subway, bus, and toll fares will go forward. In a move that could affect millions of commuters and motorists, the MTA’s Board of Trustees has formally presented a plan to raise fares by as much as 12 percent on local buses and 16 percent on express buses, while also proposing a modest uptick on tolls for bridges and tunnels in the boroughs.

Why the Hike? A Budget in Trouble

The MTA’s fiscal year 2025‑26 budget—projected to be the largest in the agency’s history at roughly $17 billion—reveals a shortfall that has pushed the agency toward the “tough” options of cutting services, laying off staff, or raising fares. According to the agency’s most recent financial statements, the organization faces a $2.5 billion deficit in the coming year, a shortfall that is expected to grow as the cost of maintaining aging infrastructure and financing large expansion projects (such as the East Side Access and the Hudson Yards subway extension) continues to rise.

“We need to keep the trains running and the tunnels safe,” said MTA spokesperson Maria L. Hernandez at the agency’s briefing on Tuesday. “The proposed fare and toll increases are designed to bring the system back into fiscal balance while maintaining, and in some cases improving, service levels.”

The proposed hikes would see subway fares climb from the current $2.75 to $3.05, a 10 percent increase, while local bus fares would rise from $2.75 to $3.05 as well. Express bus fares—currently at $5.75—would jump to $6.75, a 16 percent rise. Meanwhile, tolls on the Brooklyn Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Queens Midtown Tunnel would increase by between 1.5 and 3 percent.

Hearing Schedule and Public Participation

The hearings will begin on Sunday, September 14, and run through Monday, September 16, at the MTA’s headquarters in Manhattan. The Board will hold two sessions per day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—to accommodate public comment. In addition to in‑person sessions, the MTA will also allow for written comments submitted through its online portal.

“This is an opportunity for the public to weigh in on a decision that will impact the cost of daily commutes,” said Board member and Brooklyn resident, Dr. Anthony R. DiMarco. “We are open to listening to the concerns and suggestions of all New Yorkers.”

The MTA’s Board of Trustees, which comprises 25 members appointed by New York State’s Governor, will ultimately decide whether to adopt the fare and toll increases. The Board is expected to vote on the proposal on Wednesday, September 17, after the hearing period concludes.

Political Fallout

The proposal has already drawn scrutiny from city officials and community leaders. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said, “The MTA’s financial situation is a pressing issue, but any fare hike must be balanced with the needs of our constituents. We will continue to monitor the situation and engage in dialogue with the agency.”

In contrast, the New York City Transit Authority’s board has expressed concern that increased fares could disproportionately affect low‑income riders. “We’re working on measures to mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable communities,” said Transit Authority Deputy Director, Karen A. Martinez, during a press conference. “This could involve additional subsidies or discounted fare options for those who rely on public transit for essential work.”

Community and Economic Impact

The proposed fare increases are expected to generate an additional $1.8 billion in revenue over the next fiscal year, according to the MTA’s projections. However, many residents fear that the hike will increase the cost of living and make commutes less affordable, especially for those who rely on express buses to reach jobs outside of Brooklyn.

A recent study by the New York Public Library’s Center for Transportation and the Environment found that a 10 percent fare increase could push 1.2 million riders into higher cost brackets, potentially reducing the number of trips made and altering the distribution of traffic across the city’s transit network.

“Public transit is the backbone of New York’s economy,” noted Dr. Lillian Chen, a professor of Urban Studies at New York University. “Any change to the fare structure must be evaluated in terms of its broader economic ripple effects.”

The Road Ahead

The MTA has historically turned to fare hikes during periods of fiscal stress, but the current plan is among the largest in decades. The agency’s board will also address potential subsidies from the state and federal governments, and whether those funds might offset some of the revenue shortfall.

“While fare increases are necessary, they are not the only solution,” said Hernandez. “The MTA is open to exploring complementary strategies, including efficiency improvements and targeted investments in technology and maintenance.”

The public hearings will provide a platform for community members, transit advocates, business leaders, and city officials to voice their opinions. The MTA’s decision will be watched closely by a city grappling with budget deficits, infrastructure aging, and the ongoing need to balance accessibility with financial sustainability.

How to Participate

• In‑person: Attend the hearing sessions at the MTA headquarters, 230 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016.
• Online: Submit written comments via the MTA’s website under the “Public Hearings” section.
• Phone: Call the MTA’s public affairs office at 212‑NEW‑TRAN (212‑639‑7528) for questions or to request a comment slot.

For updates on the hearings and the final vote, follow Brooklyn News 12’s coverage, and keep an eye on the MTA’s official communications.