The last stop for the current price of mass transit in New York City is approaching rapidly. Because of the New York State budget crisis, The Metropolitan Transit Authority will raise the fare throughout the New York City Transit Authorities agencies.

“I take the train all the time, and it’s going to (be terrible) to pay extra for unlimited MetroCards in the summer and during vacations,” said junior Kristina Billini, 16, “especially if you want to go somewhere and you can’t use your student card.”
The fare increases will occur this summer, with the base fare increasing to $2.25, and $89 for a monthly unlimited MetroCard. Full-fare student MetroCards will not be affected, and details regarding half fare student cards have not yet been released.

Though, the price of fare is increasing, the change is far less than previously expected. The previous “doomsday” plan that was due to go into effect on May 31st, which included a fare hike of 50 cents for base fare, and the monthly unlimited card would have increased from $81 to $103. In addition, two subway lines and many bus lines were on the chopping block.

“They were going to cut a bus line I use to get home, and I was thinking ‘How am I going to get home then?’ said junior Sharon Mok, 16. “But now I don’t have to walk or anything.”

The previous plan was averted by a last minute deal by legislators in Albany, announced on May 4th, which will raise funds for the MTA by means of a payroll tax and taxi surcharge, along with the small raise in fares.

“It’s a sigh of relief that it’s not going to be a 30 percent increase, but I still wish the MTA would manage its money more carefully,” said Ms. Miriam Walls, a science special education teacher. “A year ago (the monthly MetroCard) was $76, now it is $81, and now it’s going to be $89. It’s increasing while my salary isn’t increasing.”