Riders Push Back On Proposed Metro-North Fare Hike

Jules Burgess, 18, called a nearly-$3 proposed increase to Metro-North fares ​“unlawful,” as they waited in Union Station for a train to New York.

“People are already struggling to accrue a basic income,” Burgess said, ​“so raising the price of the train fare just hurts people more.”

Burgess was on their way to a summer science program at Williams College, but first they needed to get to New York. They’re one of many travelers who would be impacted by a possible increase to Metro-North fares across the board, which the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has proposed as a way to keep trains running amid rising costs and budget gaps.

CTDOT’s proposed increases for Metro-North would make riding the train to Grand Central Terminal during rush hour go up by almost $3 between now and July 2026, from $24.50 to $27.25. Off-peak tickets would increase from $18.25 to $20.25.

Burgess said that the proposed increase would make them consider a tighter budget, meaning they would use the train less.

Another passenger was taking the train to New York to attend a fighting video game competition. Tyler Bennett, who hails from Dixwell, said he rides the train every month to get to New York because it’s convenient. There are not many video game competitions in New Haven, according to Bennett, so being able to travel allows him to engage with his hobby competitively. 

”My worry is it doesn’t seem that much right now, but as time goes on, it’s going to get more and more expensive,” Bennett said about the proposal. Bennett worried that if the fare creeps up to around $30 one way during peak hours, it may no longer be affordable to him, and he may have to reconsider his usual travel plans.

David Hall was stopping by the train station to grab a bite to eat at Dunkin’ when asked about the proposal. Hall said he would want an increase in his income to match the increased fares. He said he takes the train three to four times per week to places like Bridgeport and Branford, where he works for temporary agencies for warehouse and shipping work. 

The train enthusiast also said he takes the train ​“just for the ride of it,” where he can sightsee and people watch. With increased fares, Hall said he would stop taking the train leisurely. 

“Is there going to be more trains on the track?” he wondered, stating that an increase in trains in the system and less wait time between transportation times could make the proposed fares more worth it to him. 

Hall also mentioned fare discounts such as having Medicare, which his friends qualify for but he does not. He wishes there were more discounts to make public transportation more affordable for him.

Dominiq Dorce was using the train to celebrate his friend’s birthday Friday afternoon. Dorce, who works security at an airport, said that he uses the Metro-North frequently. Dorce said the proposed fair hike does not affect him much, and he doesn’t feel strongly about it.

Jessica Dadio-Lane was taking some time to rest at Union Station. She said she understands the proposed fare increases, due to the economy today. She worries about her friends who take the train to New York two times a week, in search of job opportunities.