NYC transit riders to spend no more than $33 a week as MTA tests ‘fare capping’

Riders on New York City’s subways and buses will pay no more than $33 a week starting March 1 as long as they use the MTA’s new tap-and-pay OMNY system, transit officials announced Monday.

Under the new policy, anyone who pays a $2.75 fare with the same card or smartphonea dozen times between any Monday through the following Sunday will get all their remaining rides that week free. Riders currently need to pay $33 upfront to get unlimited rides for a week.

Transit officials said the “fare capping” would run as a four-month pilot, and is set to be approved Wednesday by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board.

MTA leaders in October said they planned to introduce fare capping in 2022 as a way to entice riders back. If the pilot proves successful, the $33 weekly fare cap could be the first of several new fare structures the MTA uses through OMNY.

“Fare capping is crucial to bringing transit to as many New Yorkers as possible,” said Riders Alliance spokesman Danny Pearlstein. “It’s key to rebuilding ridership. The pilot is a step forward, and we’re hoping to see deeper affordability soon.”

Transit officials Monday also announced plans to temporarily reduce fares on New York’s commuter railroads starting March 1.

The MTA plans a promotion called “City Ticket” that gives Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North riders a flat $5 fare on trips on either railroad that start and end within New York City.

Monthly tickets on both railroads will be discounted by 10%, and transit officials said new 20-trip railroad tickets will be available that represent a 20% discount from the cost of buying 20 individual peak one-way tickets.

The commuter railroad discounts will also run as a four-month pilot and will expire June 30.

The MTA board would have to sign off on any new fare programs before they become permanent.