New Yorkers who rely on the subway system for transportation are seething over NYC’s latest rate hike.
Subways and other modes of public transportation are supposed to be affordable alternatives to a personal vehicle, but the latest MTA rate hike has straphangers seeing red. Having gone into effect on Sunday, those swiping their transport cards are now spending an extra 10 cents to ride the same trains, bringing the total up from $2.90 to $3.
The New York Post reported on how disappointed commuters are reacting to the seemingly small increase.
“I just know it’s gonna add up,” said 23-year-old Mayan Crampton, who “regularly commutes into Manhattan from his New Jersey home in Hoboken.”
Meanwhile, 33-year-old Phaedra Phaded had a more explicit description of the raise: “It’s f**ked.”
“I don’t get paid enough for this. The hike is crazy.”
Phaded’s friend suggested that instead of charging riders more, the MTA could just make better use of the funds that it is already getting in a scathing review of the subway system’s efficiency.
“The MTA constantly misappropriates funds. Instead of installing a new turnstile, they could actually improve the service,” said Seana Steele. “They’re so concerned about people jumping the turnstile. If [rides] were more affordable and available to everyone, that wouldn’t be an issue.”
The unpopular decision comes as NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani enters office, with many banking on his promise to make the city’s public bus service completely free. This, he says, would be paid for by raising taxes on high earners and large businesses, as the state is already battling an exodus that is seeing people in those categories fleeing for more friendly areas like Florida and Texas.
Aspiring lawmakers are also condemning the MTA’s decision to raise rates on penny-pinching riders, and are looking to freeze fares.
“Let’s be clear, we need to freeze fares — not raise them. The cost of everything is going up, and what working people don’t need right now is to pay more just to get around,” said New York state Comptroller candidate Adem Bunkeddeko.
The latest hike is “just another New York City thing,” according to 71-year-old David Spectra, who recounted the many raises he’s seen in his life.
“It always feels bad. It felt bad when it went from 15 cents to 20 cents,” he said.
“Sunday’s fare increase is the MTA’s second in just over 10 years,” The Post reported. “Before the 2023 hike to $2.90, the fare was raised to $2.75 — up from $2.50 — in 2015.”
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