Lhota Unveils New MTA Fare Hike Proposal

A new proposal from MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota is expected to generate $450 million in new revenue and savings for the Authority if it goes into effect, reports NY1.

The proposal, as reported by the Daily News:

• Raise the base fare from $2.25 to $2.50
• Raise the cost of a 30-day MetroCard from $104 to $112.
• Raise the cost of a seven-day unlimited card from $29 to $30.
• Raise the cost of a single-ride subway ticket from $2.50 to $2.75.
• Raise Express Bus fares from $5.50 to $6.
• Raise most LIRR and Metro-North tickets between 8.2% and 9.3%.
• Raise the E-ZPass toll on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge from $9.66 to $10.66 for non-Staten Islanders, who will pay $6.36. SI residents will pay $6 tolls if they make at least three crossings per month.
• Cut the pay-per-ride bonus from 7% to 5% and lower the minimum purchase required for the bonus.
• Impose a $1 “green fee” when buying a new card rather than refilling existing cards.

The MTA board will vote on the proposal on Wednesday. If passed, the fares will go into effect at the beginning of March.