MTA Proposes Affordable Transportation Options for Outer Borough Residents ahead of Congestion Pricing Implementation in NYC

NEW YORK CITY – As the deadline for implementing congestion pricing approaches, the MTA has proposed a series of measures to encourage outer borough residents to switch from driving to public transportation instead. These initiatives include discounted fares on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad trips as well as increased frequency in express bus services in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber stated, “Building upon the best subway service in decades and historic on-time performance on Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road, we are now taking another significant step by increasing frequency on express buses and expanding commuter rail affordability.” The MTA’s proposals aim to provide more affordable options for New Yorkers traveling within city limits.
Beginning in July 2023, there will be a reduction of ten percent applied only to monthly ticket costs that remain within the boundaries of NYC on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad services. This discount is intended solely for commuters who travel exclusively between boroughs rather than from outside New York City’s limits.
The MTA predicts an annual cost incurred by implementing this ten percent reduction to be $4 million, while the enhanced express bus service will have a price tag of $883,000 annually. According to officials, these proposals reflect demands that outer borough commuters expressed and demonstrate their support through this year’s budget.
In June 2023, MTA also plans to boost peak-hour services on six well-known bus routes from Brooklyn and Staten Island into Manhattan’s Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ). These initiatives will commence as of the end of next month. The affected express bus route service increases include BM2, BM5, SIM1C, SIM4C, SIM23, and SIM24.
The implementation date for congestion pricing is scheduled to be Sunday, June 30th, at which point most vehicles will need to pay $15 in order to enter the CRZ during peak hours on weekdays between 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.