The MTA re-jiggered its proposed fare increase plan following backlash, and the agency made changes such as a reduced weekly limit, longer ticket expiration, and new rules governing family tickets to mollify riders.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

MTA fare hikes revised with new rules and rider benefits
Photo: The MTA announces changes to some fare hike proposals ahead of Tuesday’s board vote.

MTA increases in fares and new revisions

The new plan retention of the $3 base fare but reduces the seven-day unlimited travel limit to $35. Complainants outnumbered riders and spurred action from the MTA to safeguard affordability even as it aims to raise higher revenue.

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The plan also increases eligibility age of $1 Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North family tickets to 17. Families will have extra ease, and it could persuade younger riders to travel on commuter services.

Furthermore, LIRR and Metro-North fares will now be valid from midnight to 4 a.m. of the next day rather than expiring four hours later. This change is more convenient to riders who travel later in life or repeatedly.

Modernization and long-term investment

As long as it is ratified, all of this will come into effect when next year commences. Implementation is simultaneous to OMNY’s complete implementation such that changes to a new fare policy will meld well with a new electronic payment system.

Transit officials emphasize that price increases are a contentious matter. Yet the MTA demonstrates responsiveness by docketing revisions while ensuring fiscal soundness. Blending affordability and upgrading is the agency’s Continuing Challenge.

Implementation shall be decided by the board’s last vote. Since fares impact household budgets as well as investment in transit, the decision has broad significance beyond New York subway and commuter systems.

Source: abc7ny.com

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What did the MTA do to changes in fare increases?

The MTA retained the $3 base price but reduced weekly limit to $35, expanded tick duration to 4 a.m., and boosted family ticket age limit to 17.

What is the plan of MTA to revamp its pricing system?

MTA connects fare changes to OMNY, its pay-per-touch platform, to make a smoother transition from MetroCards and give riders more convenience.

Can families actually profit from new rules of the MTA?

Yes. Families have more mobility because $1 LIRR and Metro-North family tickets now age down to children of 17 years of age and below.

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