Subway Fares Hit $3 Mark, But Performance Doesn't Ease Frustrations
As the first Sunday with a new subway fare under its belt arrived in New York City, commuters were already venting about the 10-cent increase. The $3 fare now charged for riding the city's subways and buses has left some straphangers feeling stuck between their wallets and a rapidly rising cost of living.
Tom Nimen, who commutes from Crown Heights to Union Square, is not alone in his frustration. With nearly five decades of subway service under his belt, he feels that the MTA has failed to deliver on its promises, saying, "For all the fare increases, I think the subway service is lackluster at best." Nimen's sentiments are echoed by others who are finding themselves choosing between basic necessities and a subway ride.
The MTA board had opted for incremental fare hikes every two years to combat inflation and rising operating costs. While this approach may cushion riders from sudden, drastic increases, many still feel the pinch. Arun Lakshman, a 23-year-old commuter, acknowledges that affordability is a major concern, stating, "If things aren’t affordable, people are going to complain, and I think they have a right to."
Despite improved subway performance, with trains running on time at an 83.7% rate last year, many commuters remain unsatisfied. Nimen believes that if $3 fares will be charged, riders should expect world-class service in return. He pointed out the presence of rats on the subway and ongoing track work as evidence that more needs to be done.
Compared to other transit systems in the region, the MTA's fare hike is modest. NJ Transit increased fares by 15% last year, with a commitment to annual, indefinite hikes of 3%. The city's public transportation landscape is undergoing significant changes, with OMNY replacing the iconic Metrocard and modern fare gates being tested to curb fare evasion.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that New Yorkers are still feeling the financial strain in their daily commutes, saying one in five residents was priced out of subway fares at $2.90 per ride. He reaffirmed his commitment to making buses free, highlighting the ongoing struggle for affordability in the city's transportation system.
As the first Sunday with a new subway fare under its belt arrived in New York City, commuters were already venting about the 10-cent increase. The $3 fare now charged for riding the city's subways and buses has left some straphangers feeling stuck between their wallets and a rapidly rising cost of living.
Tom Nimen, who commutes from Crown Heights to Union Square, is not alone in his frustration. With nearly five decades of subway service under his belt, he feels that the MTA has failed to deliver on its promises, saying, "For all the fare increases, I think the subway service is lackluster at best." Nimen's sentiments are echoed by others who are finding themselves choosing between basic necessities and a subway ride.
The MTA board had opted for incremental fare hikes every two years to combat inflation and rising operating costs. While this approach may cushion riders from sudden, drastic increases, many still feel the pinch. Arun Lakshman, a 23-year-old commuter, acknowledges that affordability is a major concern, stating, "If things aren’t affordable, people are going to complain, and I think they have a right to."
Despite improved subway performance, with trains running on time at an 83.7% rate last year, many commuters remain unsatisfied. Nimen believes that if $3 fares will be charged, riders should expect world-class service in return. He pointed out the presence of rats on the subway and ongoing track work as evidence that more needs to be done.
Compared to other transit systems in the region, the MTA's fare hike is modest. NJ Transit increased fares by 15% last year, with a commitment to annual, indefinite hikes of 3%. The city's public transportation landscape is undergoing significant changes, with OMNY replacing the iconic Metrocard and modern fare gates being tested to curb fare evasion.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that New Yorkers are still feeling the financial strain in their daily commutes, saying one in five residents was priced out of subway fares at $2.90 per ride. He reaffirmed his commitment to making buses free, highlighting the ongoing struggle for affordability in the city's transportation system.
. A 10-cent increase from $2.90 to $3 is a big deal, but it's not like they're getting any better service in return. I mean, have you seen the state of some of those trains lately? It's like they're running on old tracks and there are rats everywhere 
. And don't even get me started on the track work – it's like they're constantly renovating without giving us any notice 
.
. And what really gets me is that they're still making promises about improving the subway system, but it feels like nothing ever changes 
.
. NJ Transit has some crazy increases and then they just keep on going with it? It's not fair to us 
. I guess we'll just have to keep waiting for our subway system to get its act together 
.
. And don't even get me started on the track work... it's like they're not doing anything to address the root issues 
.
. $3 subways are a thing now and it's still super frustrating. I get that the MTA is trying to keep up with inflation, but come on, can't we have decent service without paying an arm and a leg? 
. I mean, rats on the subway and track work? Come on! 
The MTA needs to step up its game if they want people to feel like they're getting a good deal for their hard-earned cash 
. We need reliable, efficient public transportation that's affordable for everyone 
, but it's not like people are getting some kind of luxurious experience down there, they're still dealing with rats and track work 
. I mean, if $3 fares are going to be the new normal, shouldn't we at least have some fancy-schmancy service in return? 
! Like, I get that inflation is real and all, but come on, $3 subway fare? It's already stressing me out enough trying to make ends meet, last thing I need is to be ripped off some more 
. Give me a break! 
.
And don't even get me started on the OMNY thingy... how do they expect us to pay faster when it's still taking forever to process? 
️ The MTA needs to step up their game if they want people to be all about that subway life 
), we didn't have to worry about that kinda thing! It was $2.50 and change back then. And yeah, I remember when the MTA used to be on time most of the time... 83.7% might sound good, but trust me, it's still a joke 
. What's with all these fare hikes every two years? It's like they're trying to nickel and dime us to death! 
Gross! We should be getting world-class service for $3?! Please! Not even close 
. I mean, have you seen the state of NJ Transit? At least they're upfront about their fare hikes 
. Rats on the subway, like, what is that even doing there? 
. It's just frustrating that nothing ever changes and MTA keeps making promises they can't keep 
trains are late, there rats everywhere, what's the point? we need world-class service at that price tho 
. $3 is a lot of money, especially when you're just trying to get to work or school on time. And yeah, 83.7% on-time performance is still pretty mediocre if you ask me 
At least NJ Transit increased fares by 15% last year, that's some serious sticker shock 
. I'm starting to think that $3 is just a joke at this point, and we're all just waiting for the other shoe to drop 
. The MTA says they need to keep up with inflation, but how about some actual service improvements?