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MTA To Hold First Of 3 Public Hearings This Week On Proposed Fare Hike
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 19:48 GMT by Patch🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
MTA Prepares for First Three Public Hearings on Proposed Fare Increase
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is set to hold its first trio of public hearings in a bid to drum up community input on a controversial $0.50 fare hike that could reshape the cost of travel across New York City’s subway, bus, and commuter rail networks. Scheduled to take place in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan over the next month, the hearings will offer riders, advocacy groups and city officials a chance to weigh in before the board submits the proposal to the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) for formal approval.
What the Fare Hike Means for Riders
At the heart of the MTA’s proposal is an increase in the standard subway and local bus fare from $2.75 to $3.25, with a parallel $0.50 jump on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro‑North lines, moving their base fares to $3.75 and $3.25 respectively. In addition to the single‑ride price bump, the agency will shift the cost of the 10‑ride ticket from $26 to $30 and the 30‑day unlimited MetroCard from $70 to $80. A new “Metro‑Mile” surcharge will also be introduced on select lines, adding a nominal fee based on distance traveled.
The MTA claims the hikes will generate roughly $1.5 billion in additional revenue over the next decade, a portion of which will be earmarked for critical capital projects such as the construction of a new underground station in Brooklyn and the upgrade of aging signaling systems across the network. The agency cites escalating operational costs, rising pension contributions, and a post‑pandemic uptick in rider demand as justification for the increase.
The Public Hearings: When and Where
The three hearings will take place on the following dates and locations:
| Date | Time | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Public Library | Brooklyn |
| June 17, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Queens Borough Hall | Queens |
| June 20, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Manhattan City Hall | Manhattan |
All hearings will be streamed live on the MTA’s website and will allow for written testimony from the public. Each session will begin with a presentation by MTA Commissioner Janno Lieber, followed by a Q&A session with riders and stakeholders. The public is encouraged to register in advance on the MTA’s online portal; however, walk‑in attendance is also permitted.
MTA’s Rationale and Funding Sources
According to a statement released to the press, the MTA’s CEO, Janno Lieber, emphasized that the fare increase is “the only viable route to preserve and enhance service levels while protecting the agency’s financial health.” He cited a $300 million budget shortfall that the agency expects to close in fiscal year 2026, a shortfall that the agency has been trying to bridge through state and federal grants.
The agency also noted that the New York City and state governments have earmarked $1.2 billion in additional funds to help cover the costs of infrastructure projects. The new fare revenue would, in part, offset the need for future municipal borrowing, a claim that has found both support and skepticism among transportation advocates.
Reactions from Riders and Advocacy Groups
Public reaction has been mixed. A group of commuters represented by the Metropolitan Transportation Riders’ Coalition (MTRC) called the hikes “unfair” and urged the board to consider alternative funding sources such as farebox recovery ratios on the LIRR. “The cost of living crisis is real, and we can’t afford to pay an extra 18 % on a $2.75 fare,” said MTRC co‑chair Maya Patel.
On the other hand, the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) welcomed the increase, arguing that it will provide the agency with the necessary revenue to maintain jobs and improve service quality. “This is a positive step toward ensuring that our transit workers receive fair wages while riders get better service,” said TWU president John Hsu.
Mayor Eric Adams, who has long championed transit improvements, urged the MTA to be transparent about how the funds will be used. “We need to know that every dollar of this increase goes toward projects that benefit the public, not just maintenance,” Adams said in a brief statement to the press.
The Board’s Next Steps
The MTA Board’s full meeting on June 22, 2025, will incorporate the findings from the public hearings. According to the MTA’s agenda, the board will discuss the feedback, amend the proposal if necessary, and submit a formal application to the PSC. The PSC’s approval process involves a two‑month public comment period, during which the agency must address any lingering concerns and provide a detailed financial impact assessment.
If the PSC grants approval, the fare increase is expected to go into effect on January 1, 2026. In the interim, riders will have the option to purchase the current MetroCard and 30‑day unlimited passes at the old rates.
Bottom Line
The MTA’s upcoming public hearings are a pivotal moment for New York City commuters. With a proposed $0.50 hike on subway, bus, and commuter rail fares, the agency seeks to secure a $1.5 billion revenue stream that it claims will help fund essential capital projects and shore up its fiscal position. While riders and advocacy groups are divided over the necessity of the hike, the hearings provide an open forum for dialogue and could shape the final fare structure that will be implemented in 2026.
For those interested in attending or submitting testimony, more details and a registration form are available on the MTA’s official website. The agency has also posted the full agenda for the upcoming board meeting and the PSC application materials for public review.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/mta-hold-first-3-public-hearings-latest-fare-hike ]