Fare increases on MTA rail lines (Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad) are effective March 1, and average 8-9%. NYC Transit (subway and bus) fares increase effective March 3; the base fare increases from $2.25 to $2.50. Finally implementing a long-announced change, New York City Transit has announced that MetroCards bought within the subway system starting March 3 will cost $1, in addition to any transportation loaded onto the new card. The fee will not apply to MetroCards purchased from private vendors, obtained from employers, or in conjunction with railroad tickets for the Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North Railroad; it applies only to cards obtained directly from the NYC Transit system.
In a recent change, the agency announced that MetroCards will be capable of simultaneously being loaded with a weekly or monthly unlimited-use option and with per-ride fares, thus avoiding the need for commuters to buy a second card. This is particularly important for riders who need a per-ride card for use outside the regular subway and bus system, particularly on the PATH transit system, where only per-ride MetroCards are honored. When a card with both types of fares is used on a regular subway or bus, the card automatically honors the unlimited-use fare until its time expired, after which per-ride fees will be deducted. The $1 fee for new cards can be avoided by turning in an expiring or damaged Metrocard, which will be replaced for free.