NYC Subway Fare Increase Imminent
NYC Subway Fare Increase Imminent
The Cost of NYC Subway Rides: A Fare Increase in Context

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has recently announced an increase in the cost of subway rides in New York City. This news might come as a disappointment for frequent commuters, as the fare hike is the first since 2015. Starting from August 20, the individual subway or bus swipe will increase from $2.75 to $2.90, representing a little over a 5% increase. Furthermore, the weekly unlimited pass will increase from $33 to $34 (3% increase), and the 30-day pass will go from $127 to $132 (4% increase). Students and seniors, who currently enjoy a discounted fare at half the base fare, will see their individual swipe increase from $1.35 to $1.45[^1^].
But let’s put this fare increase into perspective. As a New Yorker, it’s hard to avoid grumbling about these price hikes. However, it’s also important to defend our subway system against any criticism. In this case, the MTA may have a valid point for raising prices.
When discussing the price hike with my family, my dad reminisced about paying less than a dollar for a subway ride when he was a teenager living in Brooklyn. My sister, on the other hand, remembered when the ride cost around $2 during her college years. Intrigued by this conversation, we decided to dive into some statistics and discovered some fascinating insights[^2^].
In the late 1970s, a subway ride cost only $0.50[^2^]. If we use the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI inflation calculator, which adjusts for inflation, we find that $0.50 in January 1979 is equivalent to $2.23 in June 2023 (the most recent available data). From this perspective, the price of a subway ride has increased more rapidly than inflation for someone like my dad[^2^].
However, the story changes for younger and newer New Yorkers. When I first moved to New York in 2010, the subway ride cost $2.25, which is equivalent to $3.17 in June 2023[^2^]. Therefore, for me, the price of a subway ride has actually become significantly lower when factoring in inflation. The last fare increase in March 2015 raised the price to $2.50, which, in June 2023 terms, would be $3.23[^2^].
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Alternatively, we can also consider the pizza principle. As of last year, the price of a slice of pizza was higher than a subway ride in New York[^2^]. So, in a way, we have already upset the equilibrium between these two New York City icons.
While I don’t doubt that this fare increase will strain budgets for some individuals, it still seems like a reasonable adjustment. With ridership down post-2020, it is essential to generate revenue to maintain and improve our subway system. The fare hike is intended to address some of these financial needs[^2^].
As a proud New Yorker, I will always defend our subway system against any naysayers. Yes, we encounter occasional delays, unpleasant smells, and rats, but the fact that we have a 24/7 functioning system that allows us to traverse boroughs quickly and affordably is truly remarkable. Moreover, opting for public transportation over owning a car is generally better for the environment[^2^].
So, whenever I find myself annoyed by the news of a fare increase, I remind myself that it is still cheaper than taking a taxi and infinitely better than being reliant on a car. The convenience and efficiency of our subway system are indeed something to be cherished.
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