News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

Metro-North fare hikes, ticketing changes now in effect. Here's what you need to know

Fares have increased by 4.5%, with some ticket types rising by as much as 8%.

Aaron Brown

Jan 5, 2026, 7:05 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Fare increases for Metro-North commuters are now in effect.

Fares have increased by 4.5%, with some ticket types rising by as much as 8%. These changes mark the beginning of a series of updates to the MTA’s fare structure and ticketing policies.

Key Changes to Know:

  • Fare Hikes: Metro-North fares are up 4.5%, and other ticket categories may see increases of up to 8%.

  • Ticket Expiration: All tickets will now expire at 4 a.m., regardless of whether they’ve been used.

  • Digital Ticket Surcharge: Riders who fail to activate digital tickets before boarding will face an $8 surcharge.

  • 10-Trip Ticket Eliminated: The popular 10-trip ticket option is being discontinued. Instead, riders will receive their 11th trip free within a two-week period.

  • Day Pass Introduced: Round-trip tickets are being replaced by a day pass, allowing unlimited travel for the day.

  • Expanded Discounts: Seniors can now access discounts all day, including during peak hours. Additionally, the program allowing kids to ride for $1 has been expanded to include riders up to age 17.

While these changes introduce new benefits for seniors and families, many commuters say the fare hikes and added surcharges feel like an extra burden, especially those who rely on the train daily. Riders have voiced concerns that higher costs aren’t matched by improvements in service quality, leaving many frustrated as they adjust to the new rules.

News 12 spoke with Metro-North riders before the fare hike was in effect.

More Stories

Top Stories

00:32
0516fatalax_2026-05-16-13-33-46

One person dead in Bear Mountain Parkway crash

01:53
FX Headlines 10 (2)

Sunny and warm Sunday before summer-like heat builds across the Hudson Valley through mid-week

00:53
RTWCHVYonkersArtsKickoffABrownVOSOT4pm_2026-05-16-16-32-03

Yonkers Arts Weekend transforms city into a vibrant creative hub

01:28
RTWCHVPlaylandSoftOpenJHopwood4pm_2026-05-16-16-26-57

Rye Playland reopens for soft launch; Dragon Coaster expected to reopen May 23

02:20
516LOGANLIVE_2026-05-16-06-03-15

LIVE UPDATES: LIRR strike halts service systemwide. Here's what you need to know.

01:17
0516spcadogwalk_2026-05-16-13-28-19

Wagging tails and second chances: SPCA Westchester Dog Walk brings hundreds to Yorktown

01:40
0515elmsfordprotest2_2026-05-15-17-46-26

Parents, students protest alleged forced resignations in Elmsford School District

01:52
0515newroprotest_2026-05-15-17-21-28

New Rochelle restores elementary band, orchestra funding after community pushback

01:23
blaise monroe

Surveillance video shows van crash into Monroe insurance office

01:33
0515mtvernondeed_2026-05-15-17-28-40

Mount Vernon officials warn about deed theft

01:40
5152026WC12diane_2026-05-15-12-18-51

Ramapo police investigate reports of people sprayed, hit with objects in Monsey

01:50
0515poughkeepsiedowntown_2026-05-15-18-20-53

Housing, bars and groceries: Poughkeepsie leaders plan to upgrade downtown through coveted state grant

news12

Connecticut Department of Health urges shellfish safety from imported products amid hepatitis A investigation

Harvey Weinstein

Harvey Weinstein rape retrial ends in mistrial as jury deadlocks

00:50
Image (55)

Bus driver, several others taken to hospital after Bee-Line crash in Greenburgh

01:50
Screenshot 2026-05-15 053054

Playland Park reopens for 98th season with Dragon Coaster return and $150M in upgrades

00:58
Screenshot 2026-05-15 071510

Lawsuit discontinued against Mt. Vernon School district relating to fatal 2022 cheerleader stabbing

00:54
5152026HVraja_2026-05-15-08-37-58

Couple pleads guilty to stealing over $3.4M from Medicaid in Orange County

00:45
5152026WCifant_2026-05-15-05-26-47

Kent man faces federal charges of sexual exploitation of an infant, child pornography

00:51
5152026SUDSONTHESOUND_2026-05-15-05-59-38

Spring-time beer festival set to return this weekend at Rye Town Park

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices