[title]
Yesterday, we told you that the MetroCard was set to begin its march towards obscurity thanks to the upcoming introduction of the shiny new contactless OMNY system throughout the New York subway system. Now, like an overlooked teenager acting out for attention, the MetroCard has a big announcement: Not only are you stuck with this plastic bad boy for the near future, you’ll soon have the honor of paying more for it too, buddy! Now sit down and work on that swipe.
The MTA board voted today to finalize changes to the card’s pay scale that include the end of pay-per-ride bonuses and the raising of base fares. Beginning April 21, monthly MetroCards will increased from $121 to $127 (a five percent increase) and weekly cards will rise from $32 to $33. The base fare of a ride will remain $2.75 for whoever decides to pay for a single subway ride at a time like a fool. (Full Disclosure: I did this for YEARS.)
An increase in rates for the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North and bridge and tunnel tolls were also approved at today’s meeting, they’re set to increase by approximately four percent over the next two years.
The increased fares are meant to help the agency as it continues to face a $1 billion deficit due to sorely needed repairs throughout the system as well as declining ridership. So hopefully the pricer cards won’t drive any more commuters aboveground.