"NYC Subway Fare to Increase to $2.90 Amidst Proposed Congestion Pricing and Toll Hikes"

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board has voted to raise the base fare for subway and bus trips in New York City for the first time in eight years, increasing it from $2.75 to $2.90 by late August. The decision comes as the MTA aims to balance its budget after years of financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic. While weekday ridership has rebounded significantly, it still remains at about 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Advocates argue that lower-income workers, who heavily rely on the system, will bear the greatest burden of the fare increase, especially as the cost of essentials continues to rise. The fare increase is seen as a crucial step to ensure the survival of the transit system, which heavily relies on rider payments.