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MTA, Metro-North Propose Fare Hikes On NY Lines

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- The MTA and Metro-North unveiled proposals on Monday that could have commuters paying more to ride the rails to and from Manhattan in March.

The MTA and Metro-North are proposing fare increases for rail commuters.

The MTA and Metro-North are proposing fare increases for rail commuters.

Photo Credit: File

Riders on Metro-North east of the Hudson River could see a fare hike of up to 6 percent, or 50 cents per ride in an effort to bridge the gap between revenues collected in fares and tolls and the MTA's $13 billion operating budget. 

The fare hikes would be only for riders boarding at stops on the New Haven Line in New York as well as along the Harlem and Hudson Lines. 

In Connecticut, fares are set by the state Department of Transportation, not Metro-North. Fares are already scheduled for a 1 percent increase each Jan. 1 through 2018, according to transportation advocate Jim Cameron of Darien, founder of the Commuter Action Group.

“The MTA is keeping its promise to ensure fare and toll increases are as low as possible, and these options are designed to minimize their impact on our customers,” MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast said in a statement. “We have cut more than $1 billion from our ongoing expenses, but a modest fare and toll increase is necessary to balance our budget against the increased costs of providing the bus, subway, railroad and paratransit service that is the backbone of the region’s mobility and economic growth.”

Fare hikes would vary depending on the type of ticket purchased, but the MTA has said all weekly and monthly fares would  increase less than 4.25 percent in New York. 

Commuters that hop on the subway once they are in Manhattan could get hit again as the proposal also calls for fare hikes on Metro Cards as well. 

There are currently two proposals regarding subway fare hikes, but in both the unlimited monthly ride price would be increased by $4.50. 

Rail commuters aren't alone. The MTA has also proposed toll increases on major crossings such as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the Queens Midtown Tunnel, which would increase by 21 cents if the proposed 4 percent hike were approved. 

The new fare and toll proposals will be the subject of public hearings in December, and the MTA Board will review public input and may modify the proposals before voting on them in January. They are scheduled to take effect in March.

The nearest public hearing will be held in the New York State Power Authority, Jaguar Room, located at 123 Main St. in White Plains, N.Y., on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. 

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