New MTA fares and tolls now in effect

And yes, it’s going to cost you more New York — New fare and toll policies on MTA subways, buses, railroads, bridges and tunnels took effect on Dec. 30. The increase is 7.5 percent, agreed upon by the Legislature in 2009, along with cost cutting initiatvies. The $900 million budget gap is due to downturns in tax revenue and cuts to state assistance, officials said. Subways, buses and Staten Island Railway The base fare for individual rides on New York City Transit’s buses, subways and Access-A-Ride vehicles remains at $2.25. For subway and bus trips only, the reduced fare for seniors and the disabled is $1.10. However, the single-ride ticket, available in vending machines only, is now priced at $2.50. These tickets must be used within two hours of purchase. Fares on express buses remain at $5.50 with an off-peak reduced fare of $2.75. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard is now priced at $29, while the 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard is priced at $104. All pay-per-ride MetroCards will continue to function after the fare change. For time-based MetroCards purchased before December 30, customers must activate them by Jan. 10, 2011, in order to receive their full validity periods. A $1 surcharge for purchasing a new MetroCard will go into effect in 2011 at a date to be announced. Customers are urged to pick up the new fare Information brochure, which outlines the new fare structure will help them decide which MetroCard is right for them. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/ebpEJ5 Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad Most railroad tickets will increase between 7.6 percent and 9.4 percent, depending on ticket type and distance traveled. One-way, round-trip and ten-trip ticket increases took effect on December 30, while monthly and weekly ticket increases will take effect tomorrow, Jan. 1. Riders are reminded there are a number of changes related to ticket validity periods, new refund policies, ticket exchanges and onboard ticket sales policies. To know what they are, visit the Long Island Rail Road’s Web site at http://bit.ly/g7YkAq; and Metro-North Railroad at http://bit.ly/hNAA1V. Bridges and tunnels Tolls on the MTA’s seven bridges and two tunnels will increased yesterday, Dec. 30. Tolls are rising to $6.50 at most crossings for cash customers and increasing 23¢ to $4.80 at most crossings for E-ZPass customers. For additional details, visit http://bit.ly/eAeU1d.

Special New Year’s schedule for Metro-North Railroad
Metro-North will operate special service on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with additional trains for holiday revelers:
On New Year’s Eve, Friday, Dec. 31, there will be a special Saturday schedule with additional trains to be operated during the morning inbound, 6 to 9 a.m. and outbound, 4 to 6p.m.
For revelers, there will be plenty of additional inbound trains in the afternoon and evening. When it’s finally time to go home, there will be additional outbound (and inbound) service into the wee hours of the morning.
On Saturday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, a Sunday schedule will be in effect.