Metro-North Fare Increase Strategy

Metro-North Railroad will seek fare increases for NY riders averaging 4% beginning July 1, 1995. This would be followed by another 4% hike in January, 1996 and future increases pegged to inflation. Officials argued that small periodic increases are less harmful to ridership than infrequent

but shocking big-percentage hikes. Metro-North lines in Connecticut have employed an annual increase system since 1991 -- fares there have risen about 5% each of the last three years. Public hearings on the fare hikes will likely be held in late winter or spring, after which the MTA board would

vote on the proposal. Reporter Dispatch