Staten Island, N.Y. — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently voted to approve a fare and toll increase set to begin in 2026. The transit agency will also phase out MetroCards and permanently move to the OMNY payment system next year.

Below are six takeaways about the changes riders can expect in 2026.

Fare hikes approved

The MTA board unanimously approved a plan to increase fares, with the changes set to take effect in January 2026. The base fare for subways and local buses will rise from $2.90 to $3.

Bridge tolls increase

Tolls on major crossings, such as the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, will increase by around 7.5% at the beginning of next year as well.

For E-ZPass users, the Verrazzano toll will increase from $6.94 to $7.46. The Staten Island resident discount will rem

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