MTA set to hike fares in latest crunch on subway, LIRR and Metro-North riders

Fares for Big Apple subways and buses could jump to $3 by the start of next year, Metropolitan Transportation Authority leaders said Wednesday as the cash-strapped agency keeps squeezing riders.

The increase from $2.90 would go into effect on Jan. 4 but still needs to be approved by the full MTA board.

Subway and bus patrons aren’t the only ones facing a price crunch.

Metro-North and Long Island Railroad customers could face a 4.4% bump on train tickets while tolls on various city bridges and tunnels may also see an increase, MTA officials said at the meeting.

Controversial congestion pricing fees though are expected to remain the same at a cool $9 during peak hours.

MTA chief Janno Lieber defended the plan to price hikes during a press conference and declared that commuting costs are not contributing to New Yorkers’ affordability struggles.