New York transit agency board approves fare hikes; sharp rise for monthly passes

NY transit board approves fare hikes

NEW YORK — Commuters who use New York City’s subways, buses and commuter trains will be paying more to ride.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved fare increases Thursday for commuters across the region.

It’s an attempt by the nation’s largest transit agency to close an $800 million budget gap.

A fare increase of almost 17 percent is slated for the monthly unlimited Metrocards, adding $15 to the current price of $89. Other fare classes will increase, although not as much. The $2.25 one-way subway and bus fare will stay the same, except for single-ride tickets, which will rise to $2.50.

Those increases follow hikes in 2008 and 2009. And another is planned for 2013.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Commuters who use New York City’s subways, buses and commuter trains are going to have to dig deeper in their pockets to cover their costs.

The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is scheduled to vote Thursday on fare increases that would affect commuters across the region.

It’s an attempt by the nation’s largest transit agency to close an $800 million budget gap.

A fare increase of almost 17 percent is slated for the monthly unlimited Metrocards, adding $15 to the current price of $89. Other fare classes will increase, although not as much. The $2.25 one-way subway and bus fare will stay the same except for single-ride tickets, which will rise to $2.50.

Those increases follow hikes in 2008 and 2009. And another is planned for 2013.