MTA fare hike: what to expect when rates jump

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A woman enters the Union Turnpike subway station in Kew Gardens. Eagle file photo by Jonathan Sperling.

A woman enters the Union Turnpike subway station in Kew Gardens. Eagle file photo by Jonathan Sperling.

By Jonathan Sperling

Some Queens straphangers started the week with their wallets a little lighter after the MTA’s latest MetroCard fare hike went into effect Sunday.

Prices increased for a 30-day unlimited MetroCard and a 7-day unlimited MetroCard and the city discontinued the pay-per-ride bonuses that add a few extra bucks to commuters’ card when they pay for more than one or two rides.

Unlimited ride MetroCards now cost $127 (up from $121) for a 30-day unlimited card, $33 (up from $32) for a 7-day unlimited card and $62 (up from $59.50). The MTA board voted in favor of the fare increases on Feb. 27.

The 30-day unlimited card is worth the price if you take the subway or local bus more than 46 times per month. If you plan on taking fewer rides than that, you’re better off with a pay-per-ride card; the $127 30-day card equates to about $4.23 per day, while the $33 7-day card equates to about $4.71 per day.

As of press time, the MTA’s online MetroCard Calculator still took into account the 5 percent bonus once given to riders when they added $5.50 or more to their MetroCard.