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In an unexpected move, the MTA has voted to delay a proposed toll and fare hike vote that was scheduled to take place on Thursday, Jan. 24 during its regular board meeting. Instead, it will now seek additional revenue streams before increasing prices for commuters.
Following the public comment session that began Thursday’s MTA meeting, the MTA board opted to delay the vote until next month’s meeting. Members of the board voted unanimously, with one in abstention.
If approved, fares for riders would jump from $2.75 to $3 each, which reportedly will net the MTA hundreds of millions of dollars. Metro-North riders may also see a potential 4 percent increase for a single ride.
The board will now consider two fare hike options Feb. 27 at its next meeting.
The first would increase the base MetroCard fare to $3, while offering higher purchasing bonuses. The other would keep the base fare at $2.75 and eliminate purchasing bonuses. The hikes were initially expected to take effect in March, marking the seventh increase since 2008.
In addition, both proposals include price hikes for cash and E-ZPass tolls and bus fare.
“I’m concerned about the upcoming fare increases, particularly about how they impact handicapped people,” MTA board member Peter Ward said on Thursday. “But more importantly, I think there’s some confusion and some new suggestions have been made, and I’m concerned that we’re making a decision today when we need to be a little bit slower, and a little bit more thoughtful, and consider a few more options.”
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