Public Transit Fares in 2026: Which Major U.S. Cities Raised Prices — and Who Pays the Most
The short answer: New Yorkers pay the most. On January 4, 2026, the MTA raised the subway and local bus fare from $2.90 to $3.00 — and San Diego followed on October 1, lifting its regional monthly pass from $72 to $85, the first increase in 17 years. But here is the twist most coverage misses: according to the American Public Transportation Association, most U.S. transit agencies have not raised monthly fares since 2022. So the real question isn't just "did fares go up" — it's where, by how much, and whether the sticker price is even the right number to look at. Try the Fuel Cost Calculator → The 2026 fare increases, city by city New York. On January 4, 2026, the base subway and local bus fare rose from $2.90 to $3.00. Reduced fares for seniors, riders with disabilities, and eligible low-income riders went from $1.45 to $1.50. January also ended the MetroCard era: cards can no longer be bought or refilled, and OMNY tap-to-pay is now the only way to ride. The 7-...