More MTA news - the 2013 subway fare hikes have been approved

Image source: paulmmay on Flickr

We’ve learned via the NY Observer that today the MTA board approved specific subway fare hikes. Here are the details:

• The base MetroCard fare is now $2.50. That’s an increase in 24¢.
• Monthly unlimited MetroCards are $112. That’s an increase of $8.
• Weekly unlimited MetroCards are now $30. That’s an increase of $1.
• The bonus on per-fare cards starts after you pay $5 (this is a round trip) and is now 5% instead of the 7% it has been.

In a move that we didn’t anticipate, there will be a $1 surcharge on some new MetroCards, with the hope of cutting down on MetroCard litter (we’ve seen a lot of that over the years). All cards – including the unlimited ones – will be able to be reused.

The MTA hopes to to bring in an additional $450 million a year with these fare hikes, as well as those on buses and bridge/tunnel tolls.

Fare hikes will take place March 1, 2013.

Swipes! MTA Fare Hike Approved, Raising MetroCard Costs 32% Over Four Years [NY Observer]
MTA subway fares are going up whether we like it or not – and look, here’s another fare proposal [QNYC]
Get ready, straphangers – subway fare hikes are coming [QNYC]