Fares on the Metro-North New Haven Line and Shore Line East increased roughly 5 percent Jan. 1. to keep up with the growing expensive of operating the rail system, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
The hike was the last of three scheduled increases, all set at 4 percent, to start at the beginning of 2012, 2013 and 2014. This year an additional 1 percent increase also took effect to help pay for the new M-8 rail cars, as approved by the legislature. The last scheduled rail fare increase went into effect this month.
“This fare increase is the third in nine years,” said James P. Redeker, DOT Commissioner, in a statement. “During that time, operating expenses continued to grow due to inflation and service has been increased on weekdays and weekends on both the New Haven Line and Shore Line East. We held several hearings throughout the state prior to adopting the phased implementation of fare increases over three years.”
A one-way peak ticket from Stamford to Grand Central Terminal now costs $13.75.
