Additional Coverage:
- New Yorkers aren’t too pleased after hearing about latest subway fare hike: ‘I still see rats’ (marketrealist.com)
New Yorkers Grumble as Subway Fare Jumps to $3: “I Still See Rats!”
New York City commuters are voicing their frustrations loud and clear following the latest hike in subway fares, pushing the cost of a single ride to $3. While the increase is a seemingly modest ten cents from the previous $2.90, it’s hitting a raw nerve with residents who rely on the city’s sprawling subway system daily, especially given the persistent issues with cleanliness and service.
The recent fare adjustment comes as a fresh challenge for newly sworn-in Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who inherits a city grappling with the complex demands of its vital public transportation network. For countless New Yorkers, the subway isn’t just a convenience; it’s the lifeline connecting them to work, family, and everything in between.
While the internet might enjoy a good laugh at the antics occasionally caught on subway cameras, for the dedicated commuters, the reality is often far from amusing. The daily grind on the trains can be frustrating, and the new fare increase is only adding to the collective exasperation.
According to a report by Gothamist, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board opted for incremental fare increases every two years, a strategy intended to mitigate the impact of inflation and rising operational costs. The alternative, a more substantial double-digit hike after a longer interval, was deemed less palatable. However, this explanation hasn’t fully appeased riders who are demanding more for their money.
“It sucks, but I get why they’re doing it,” admitted commuter Arun Lakshman, one of many New Yorkers feeling the pinch. “But I think affordability is a big thing these days, right?
If things aren’t affordable, people are going to complain, and I think they have a right to.” Lakshman’s sentiment echoes across the city, where for many, a single subway fare can be equivalent to the cost of a meal, forcing difficult choices.
Tom Nimen, a New Yorker of nearly 50 years, expressed his long-standing disillusionment. “For all the fare increases, I think the subway service is lackluster at best,” he stated, recalling times when he had to choose between food and a subway ticket. “I’m not in that situation anymore, but others are not.”
The core of the discontent revolves around the perceived value for money. “I just feel like that if you’re gonna pay $3, we better have world-class service now,” remarked commuter Ian Ward, capturing the essence of the public’s demand.
He added, “I still see rats on the subway. I still see a lot of track work being done.”
While Governor Kathy Hochul recently released data showing an improvement in subway performance, with trains running on time 83.7% of the time on average weekdays in 2025 (a 2.1% increase from the previous year) and 86.6% on weekends (up 2.4%), these statistics haven’t yet translated into widespread rider satisfaction, especially in the face of increased costs. New Yorkers are clearly hoping that a higher fare will ultimately lead to a more pleasant and efficient ride, free from the uninvited rodent companions and ongoing disruptions.