MTA Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Fare Hikes Amid Second Avenue Subway Expansion

Proposed Fare Increase Details

• 🚌 Bus and subway rides are set to increase to $3, up from $2.90, effective early next year.
• 💳 Monthly and weekly tickets for LIRR and Metro-North would also see an increase of up to 4.5%.
• 🗓️ This proposed fare hike is part of a plan to align with the full launch of tap-and-go payment on subways and buses.

Public Hearing and Feedback

• 🗣️ The MTA is holding the first of three public hearings to gather public input on the proposed fare increases.
• 📍 The initial hearing is scheduled for this evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 130 Livingston Street in Brooklyn.

Second Avenue Subway Expansion Progress

• 🚇 The MTA board approved a $1.9 billion contract to begin Phase Two of the Second Avenue subway expansion.
• 🚧 This phase will extend the Q train from 96th Street to 125th Street in East Harlem, involving new tunnel boring and station construction.
• 💰 Funding for this project includes revenue generated from congestion pricing.
• 👷 The project aims to create approximately 70,000 jobs, with a goal of 20% local hires from East Harlem.
• 📅 Preliminary work is expected to start later this year, with major construction commencing in 2026.

Community Impact of Expansion

• ⚠️ The subway expansion may lead to some New Yorkers facing eviction by eminent domain.
• 🤝 The project is intended to improve transit accessibility to Harlem and restore faith in the MTA's ability to complete large-scale projects.