The MTA approved a budget plan Wednesday in its last board meeting of the year that could increase mass transit fares and tolls by 4% beginning in August 2025.

The move comes just weeks before the city's congestion pricing plan is set to take effect.

MTA chair and CEO Janno Lieber says fare hikes are customary in budget plans.

"The pattern has been that the MTA's fares go up 2%. That is always programmed in the financial plan," said Lieber.

Starting Jan. 5, most commuters will pay $9 to enter the congestion pricing zone.

Charlie Zhen, manager of community engagement at the MTA, says they hope to make commuters' lives easier.

"It's really important to connect to them the issue. When they're sitting in traffic, when they're looking for parking, it doesn't have to be this way. We have a solution," said Zhen.

MTA officials say most drivers entering the congestion zone will only be charged once per calendar day. In Wednesday's meeting, they pushed E-ZPass as the best way to foot the bill.

MTA officials say not paying with E-ZPass could cost commuters 50% more.

Zhen says those who qualify for exemptions, including emergency vehicles, having a lower income or being a disabled commuter, must have an E-ZPass account to apply for the exemptions.

The MTA is encouraging those wanting an exemption to apply as soon as possible to be approved.

Multiple courts are still challenging congestion pricing ahead of its rollout.

For more information, visit the MTA's website here.