Questions and Answers About the Upcoming MTA Fare and Toll Increases

When does the fare go up? New fares will take effect on December 30, 2010. The links below will take you to the MTA page explaining each change:
Subway and bus base fares
Subway and bus unlimited MetroCards
Long Island Railroad
Metro-North Railroad
MTA Bridges and Tunnels

I have an extra 7-day/14-day/30-day MetroCard at the old fare. Can I still use it? Yes. The MTA has provided a grace period for each kind of card. In general, activate your MetroCard on or before January 10, 2010 and you will get the full value of your MetroCard.

What’s happening with pay-per-ride MetroCards? Pay-per-ride MetroCards will be valid until the expiration date printed on the back. The base fare for pay-per-ride cards continues to be $2.25. However, the bonus will be reduced to 7% and you’ll need to load the card with at least $10 to trigger the bonus.

Is it true that the MTA will charge an additional $1 if you need to buy a new MetroCard? Yes, it's true with exceptions. In addition, it won't take effect until the second half of 2011. The $1 charge applies only to in-system sales. So there is no charge for a new card, for example, at newsstands or if you get your card through your employer. However, the charge does apply in-system to both pay-per-ride and unlimited-ride MetroCards, which will be refillable for the first time.

My employer participates in a tax-free transit fare program. Is it true the benefit is going down? No! As of mid-December, the tax-free benefit will remain at $230 for 2011. Each employer-sponsored program is a little different, so the best way to understand your benefits is to talk with your program administrator at work.

What is the tax-free transit benefit and how do I get it? Several companies in the New York metropolitan region offer employer-sponsored tax-free transit fare programs. Here are some tips on how to lower your fare.

The Facts: Transit Fares 2011 (pdf)
Statement in Opposition to Proposed 2011 Fare Hike (July 2010, pdf)