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The MTA board has approved a new round of fare hikes, set to take effect on January 4, 2026. The base fare for subways and buses in New York will increase by a dime, raising the cost from $2.90 to $3. The increase coincides with the full rollout of the OMNY tap-and-pay system, which will replace the MetroCard. As part of the transition, buses will also no longer accept cash or coins, requiring riders to use OMNY.
The fare for a seven-day unlimited subway and bus pass will rise from $34 to $35, which is a dollar less than initially proposed. Express bus fares will also increase, going from $7 to $7.25. Additionally, there will be a 4.4% increase on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad tickets, although the age eligibility for the $1 family ticket will expand to include children under 18, up from the previous limit of under 12.
The MTA plans to eliminate the 30-day unlimited fare option, leaving the seven-day fare cap as the only way to get unlimited rides. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber explained that the fare increases are necessary to maintain affordability and value for frequent riders while keeping the MTA financially stable. "The modest fare increases approved today prioritize value for frequent riders and families while maintaining the MTA’s bottom line," Lieber stated.
The decision follows a six-week public comment period that included multiple hearings and sessions. The MTA plans to sell its final MetroCard on December 31, 2025, but riders can continue using them after that date. The changes are part of the MTA's efforts to simplify fare structures and adapt to new technology.
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