Costly Commutes: Fare Hikes & Toll Spikes Coming To A Location Near You
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Commuters just can't catch a break.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reminded customers Tuesday that fares on New York City subways and buses, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad will be going up beginning on March 1.
The changes for LIRR will begin this Friday. The MTA said that on average, most rail tickets will see an increase of between 8.2 percent and 9.3 percent.
Monthly LIRR tickets for March at ticket windows and ticket machines have been priced at the new rate since February 20. Weekly tickets for March 2-8 at ticket windows and machines will be priced at the new rate beginning Wednesday.
The MTA said Metro-North customers will also see an increase of between 8.2 percent and 9.3 percent, "depending on ticket type and distance traveled.
Meanwhile, the impact for New York City subway and bus customers will be felt beginning on March 3.
The base fare for subways, local buses, Staten Island Railway and Access-A-Ride will go up to $2.50 from the current $2.25. Express bus fares will rise 50 cents to $6.
And for those who usually purchase a Single Ride ticket from a MetroCard vending machine, the fare will go up to $2.75, up from the current $2.50.
Commuters who purchase unlimited-ride MetroCard will see significant rate hikes as well: The 30-day unlimited-ride card will now cost $112 (previously $104), the 7-day unlimited-ride card will cost $30 (previously $29) and 7-day express bus MetroCards will now cost $55 (previously $50).
But wait, there's more.
A new $1 fee will be charged for new MetroCards purchased at vending machines or station booths. The MTA hopes the charge will encourage customers to reuse cards and refill them. The transit agency said expired or damaged cards will be replaced at no charge.
But even for those who don't need trains or buses to make their commute into and around the city, the changes will make an impact on their wallet.
That is because tolls on bridges and tunnels operated by the MTA will be going up as well. The numbers break down in the following way:
Bronx-Whitestone, Throgs Neck, & RFK Bridges; Hugh L Carey & Queens Midtown Tunnels:
E-ZPass: $5.33 | Cash: $7.50
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge (Roundtrip toll collected entering Staten Island only)
E-ZPass: $10.66 | Cash: $15.00
*Lower rates for Staten Island registered residents
Henry Hudson Bridge (non-stop, cashless operation)
E-ZPass: $2.44 | Toll By Mail: $5.00
Cross Bay and Marine Parkway Bridges:
E-ZPass: $2.00 | Cash: $3.75
*Lower rates for registered residents of Rockaway and Broad Channel
MORE ON TOLLS FOR BRIDGES AND TUNNELS
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