Getting around New York City just became a little more expensive. As of this weekend, the cost of a standard subway or local bus ride has officially climbed to $3, a first in the city’s long transit history.

The modest 10-cent increase went into effect Sunday, marking a symbolic moment for riders who have long associated the subway fare with more modest price points. Approved last year by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the adjustment reflects a broader strategy to raise fares gradually rather than allowing costs to build up into a sudden, dramatic jump.

According to the MTA, the increase helps offset steadily rising expenses, including staffing, power, and system upkeep. Officials also note that, compared with many transit agencies around the world, which have implemented far steeper increases, New York’s change remains relatively restrained.

To ease the impact on frequent riders, the agency continues to promote its OMNY fare-capping feature. Travelers who use the same card or mobile device will automatically stop being charged after spending $35 within a seven-day period, effectively matching the cost of 12 rides. From that point on, additional trips are free for the rest of the week. Riders eligible for reduced fares are subject to a lower cap of $17.50. The system is gradually replacing traditional unlimited passes as the MetroCard is phased out in favor of OMNY.

The fare hike isn’t limited to subways and buses. Express bus rides now cost $7.25, up from $7. Commuter rail passengers on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North will see weekly and monthly tickets rise by as much as 4.5 percent. Tolls at MTA-operated bridges and tunnels increased by 7.5 percent, and even a one-time paper ticket now comes with a $3.50 price tag.

The timing of the increase has added fuel to an ongoing political conversation. Newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for free bus service across the city, arguing that the cost of transit is becoming a serious burden for working New Yorkers. While such a proposal would require significant funding and state-level approval, the new fare has sharpened the debate.

For visitors and locals alike, the takeaway is clear: the era of the subway ride costing less than a slice of pizza has officially ended.