MTA Fare Hike and MetroCard Changes: What New York City Commuters Need to Know
Newly sworn-in Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, campaigned on the promise of making city buses "fast and free." However, the bus system is under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) rather than the city itself.
Despite Mamdani's vision of free bus rides in the future, commuters will soon face fare increases. The base fare for subways, local buses, and Access-A-Ride services will rise by 10 cents, from $2.90 to $3, with reduced fares increasing from $1.45 to $1.50, effective January 4.
In addition to the fare hike, a change that took effect on January 1, 2026, prohibits the purchase or refill of MetroCards. Eventually, MetroCards will no longer be accepted, and bus fares will no longer be payable with coins, as per the MTA's plans for 2026.
For those with remaining value on their MetroCards, they can transfer it to an OMNY Card at a Customer Service Center or use it for subway and bus rides before it expires. Cash and coins will still be accepted to add value to an OMNY Card at vending machines in subway stations and various retail locations even after cash is no longer accepted on buses.