# 1 in 5 NYC transit riders say they can’t afford fares as MTA plans another hike

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/1-in-5-nyc-transit-riders-say-they-cant-afford-fares-as-mta-plans-another-hike/
- Published: 2026-11-13T21:48:53+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T22:22:11+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/13/us-news/1-in-5-nyc-transit-riders-say-they-cant-afford-fares-as-mta-plans-another-hike/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- One in five riders say they cannot afford the current $3 fare.
- The MTA plans a revenue increase in March 2027.
- Advocates want wider access to half-price Fair Fares.

## Summary

A new survey found that one in five New York City transit riders say they cannot afford the current $3 subway and bus fare, as the MTA plans another increase in March 2027. The proposed change is part of a plan to raise fare and toll revenue by 4%, but the agency has not set a specific fare and its board must approve any increase.

Nearly three in ten riders say they earn too much to qualify for the city’s half-price Fair Fares programme, which the Community Service Society recommends expanding to cover households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, from 200%. A state comptroller’s report warned the MTA could face a budget gap of nearly $900 million by 2030, despite planned fare rises in 2027 and 2029, and urged it to control costs, overtime and fare evasion. MTA leaders are also seeking federal support, but the agency has not said whether additional funding could avert the fare rise.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.