Fares for Metro-North and Shoreline East trains will be going up today.
Officials from the state Department of Transportation said they need more revenue after state lawmakers slashed transportation funding by $37 million when they refused to raise taxes in their latest budget.
Train tickets have gone up 6 percent, or $1.40 each way, depending on whether you buy a ticket onboard or at the train station.
As of today, a one-way peak trip from New Haven to Grand Central on Metro-North will be $23.25 when bought in advance, or $29 onboard. Off-peak tickets will be $17.50, or $24 on-board. See the full list of fare increases.
Commuters said there is nothing they can do about it other than pay the increased fare.
"I actually wasn't aware of it at all, it doesn't matter," Phil Rao, of East Haven, said. "Whatever it is it is, it doesn't change anything. You have to pay it. It's easier to pay here than drive, I can tell you that."
Others said better service should come with the increase.
"There's a lot going on with our service when it comes to the city residents that could be repaired, as far as like we need a hub, we need a bus hub," Kimberly Kyles, of New Haven, said.
The 2 percent discount on "mail and ride" tickets will also be eliminated and the discount on the combined monthly rail ticket and unlimited-ride MetroCard will be reduced from 4 percent to 2 percent beginning with tickets purchased this month.
Local
Bus fare will be going up 25 cents each way, starting Sunday.
See the Shoreline East website to see fare increases.
The DOT's fare increase kicks in today and the sixth of seven consecutive 1-percent fare increases to pay for new train cars is scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 1.
