"My Salary Can't Keep Up"... New York City Subway Fare Rises to 4,300 Won per Ride

[Financial News] Public discontent is mounting as the base fare for the New York City subway has been raised to $3 (approximately 4,330 won). The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) increased the single subway ride fare from the previous $2.90 (about 4,186 won) to $3.
On the 4th (local time), foreign media including the New York Post reported that this increase is the first in two years since 2023 and is part of a series of gradual hikes over the past decade.
Previously, the New York City subway fare rose from $2.50 to $2.75 in 2015 and was frozen for a long period, but was raised to $2.90 in 2023.
Public reaction has been chilly. Mayan Crampton, a twenty-something office worker commuting from Hoboken, New Jersey to Manhattan, said, "Even if ten cents doesn't seem like much, it adds up when you pay it every day." Phaedra Faded, a thirty-something professional commuting from Chinatown, Manhattan, expressed frustration, saying, "With my current salary, I simply can't afford it anymore."
Some residents argued that improving the MTA's operations is more urgent than fare hikes. Seana Steel, in her forties, stated, "Before raising fares, the MTA should review how it is spending its existing budget," adding, "Instead of pouring money into turnstile upgrades, they should focus on improving service quality."
In fact, it is reported that the MTA lost over $400 million (about 577.6 billion won) last year alone due to fare evasion. While the agency has focused on facility investments to address this issue, critics point out that train delays and aging infrastructure remain unresolved.
Political figures are also calling for a fare freeze. Adem Bunkedeko, a candidate for New York State Comptroller, remarked, "Prices keep rising, but there is no need to further increase the cost of getting around for ordinary people. What we need now is a freeze, not another hike."
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter