New Yorkers Voice Concerns Over MTA Fare Hike

Residents of New York City expressed their frustrations regarding the MTA’s proposed fare increase during a hearing on Tuesday evening.

“Your entire plan is ridiculous,” shouted Strafanger Emmanuel Vazquez to an MTA representative at the Brooklyn-New York City Transportation Bureau.

“It’s going up to $3… Are you kidding?” a student from John Jay College remarked, joining the gathering of about 100 residents.

The financially-strapped MTA plans to increase subway and bus fares to $3 starting January 4, 2026.

“There’s always a flood, an emergency, or a blackout. And do you expect me to pay more for this? You’re blind to what’s really happening on this subway,” another commuter added.

Others echoed that the planned fare hike seemed out of touch with the existing conditions in the subway system, citing fare evasion, unreliable travel times, and flooding issues.

“People are still hopping over turnstiles. It’s insane. The millions spent on station upgrades don’t seem to be working… I’m just exhausted,” expressed Lynette Rushmore.

“Honestly, I haven’t seen any improvements in the transit system this year. I’m not sure what’s beneficial for riders. It’s frustrating with all these inconsistencies,” she continued.

Interestingly, fare evasion rates in the subway dropped to 9.8% in the first quarter of this year, down from 13.6% during the same time last year.

This slight decrease comes despite the MTA’s efforts to install new barriers aimed at deterring fare dodgers.

Some attendees at the hearing admitted they understood why certain people choose to avoid paying fares.

“I’ve never seen the MTA as inefficient and greedy as it is now,” remarked lifelong New Yorker Selenjo Persaud.

“Every day, people jump the turnstile. If you want to get to work on time, the service is often delayed,” he pointed out. “And I hate to say it, but we do it for a reason. The constant issues are just too much.”

Christian Joseph, 28, from a Brooklyn-based human rights group, claimed they had gathered about 2,000 signatures on a petition opposing the fare increase.

“The MTA knows that everyday workers are struggling as living costs keep climbing,” he told attendees. “These fare hikes just add more weight on our shoulders.”

Some MTA officials dismissed concerns over the fare increase when it was proposed last month.

“I don’t see this as a hike,” stated board member Neil Zuckerman. “We’re only up 4.4% after two and a half years, which seems fair.”

He argued that the increase is in line with inflation concerns and affordability.

Furthermore, drivers will face toll hikes on various bridges and tunnels, with rates increasing from $6.94 to $7.46 on several routes.

Long Island Railroad and Metro North commuters will see a 4.4% increase in ticket prices if the new rates are approved later this year.

Mayor Eric Adams criticized the current fares as “too high for many” and urged board members to reject the proposed hike in the upcoming vote.

“It’s insulting to hardworking New Yorkers to suggest a fare increase without any significant improvements. I encourage all board appointees to vote against this proposal,” he stated.

“We stand firmly against this fare increase and are dedicated to advocating for a fairer city.”

The proposed fare increase coincides with the MTA’s projected revenue of $500 million this year.