County Executive Day Calls MTA Proposed Metro-North Fare Hikes Unjust and Unacceptable for Rockland Riders

Rockland County Executive Ed Day is calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to immediately withdraw its proposed Metro-North fare increases for West of Hudson commuters, calling them “wholly unjustifiable” as the MTA holds public hearings this week. The MTA is holding a series of hearings gathering public comment on the proposed fare increases on Tuesday August 19th and Wednesday August 20th. 

Read County Executive Day's full statement below: 

“With Metro-North’s latest proposed fare hikes, the MTA once again shows its disregard for West of Hudson riders.

Any increase for Rockland County commuters is wholly unjustifiable. Our residents already face a value gap exceeding $40 million every year—paying far more into the system than they receive—while enduring inadequate, infrequent rail service and chronic underinvestment.

Most egregious are the proposed increases for Pascack Valley and Port Jervis line riders traveling to Manhattan. These commuters already absorbed a 15% fare hike from NJ Transit last summer, followed by another 3% hike just last month. Now the MTA wants to pile on?

Even worse, when Metro-North cut monthly fares on the East of Hudson lines three years ago, West of Hudson riders got no such relief. As a result, our monthly commuters have been paying far higher fares for years. In fact, Metro-North’s so-called “increase” for Hudson and Harlem line riders is actually lower than the rates they paid in 2022—while West of Hudson riders are asked to pay even more.

Rockland County will not accept any fare increases for West of Hudson service until true equity is achieved—meaning improved service and stations, expanded rail and ferry options, and direct investment to close our decades-long value gap. In the meantime, the MTA should be looking to waive fares for Rockland riders, not raise them.”

In a Statement from Assembly Member Aron Wieder on MTA Fare Hikes The MTA’s plan to raise fares again is unacceptable for west-of-Hudson commuters in Rockland County, who are stuck with slow, inconsistent service and no one-seat ride into NYC. After NJ Transit’s recent 15% and 3% fare hikes, paying more for less is simply unfair. Riders deserve better.

Until the MTA delivers equitable, reliable, and accessible service, these fare increases are unjustifiable. I urge residents to oppose this plan at the MTA’s public hearings on August 19th and 20th. Register to speak virtually or submit comments