Metro-North changing prices, policies
Metro-North train commuters will pay higher fares beginning Jan. 4, and unused paper or mobile tickets will expire the next day at 4 a.m., instead of 60 days later.
The latter is intended to prevent fare evasion; currently, passengers can wait to activate mobile tickets until a conductor appears, which may not happen during short trips. According to the railroad, tickets purchased before the new fares go into effect will be honored until their stated expiration dates.
Monthly and weekly tickets will increase by up to 4.5 percent, and all other tickets will rise by up to 8 percent, changes approved earlier this year by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board.
Other changes include:
The surcharge for tickets purchased from a conductor or through the TrainTime app but not activated before departure will increase from $6 to $8. Mobile customers will receive a few initial warnings.
Round-trip tickets will become passes that expire at 4 a.m. the next day. Weekday passes will cost 10 percent less than two one-way peak tickets; weekend tickets will cost the same.
After 10 trips in 14 days, mobile ticket-holders will receive an 11th ride free in the same period.
Reduced fares will be available 24/7 for seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients, including during the morning peak hours.
Children ages 5 to 17 can ride for $1 each when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, including during the morning peak hours.
The MTA is upgrading its vending machines to offer change in $5 and $10 bills instead of coins and provide translations in nine languages instead of three. The project is scheduled for completion by summer 2026.

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