New York City's Public Transport Gets a Price Bump

Starting this Sunday, riding the subway or bus in New York City will cost a bit more. The fare is going up to $3 from $2. 90. This is the first increase in over two years. Compared to other cities, this 10-cent raise is small. Other places have seen much bigger jumps in their transit fares. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which runs the subway, buses, and commuter railroads, approved this increase back in September. The MTA decided to wait until the new year to put this into effect. They wanted to phase out the old MetroCard first. Now, they're focusing on the new OMNY payment system.This change isn't just about subways and buses. Other MTA services are getting more expensive too. Weekly and monthly tickets for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad will go up by up to 4. 5 percent. One-way fares on these trains could climb by up to 8 percent. There's a bit of good news for families. Kids 17 and under can now ride these commuter railroads for just $1. Before, the age limit was 11. Access-A-Ride, the service for people who need extra help getting around, will also cost $3 starting next year. Tolls at MTA bridges and tunnels are going up too. For example, driving through the Queens-Midtown Tunnel will cost about $7. 46 instead of $6. 94. This fare hike might not seem like much. But for regular riders, it adds up over time. It's a reminder that public transport isn't free. Someone has to pay for it.