The cost of a train ticket is about to increase, and sweeping changes are coming to the MTA's ticketing policies.

The fare increase and the new ticketing policies will go into effect Jan. 4, 2026.

The cost of a monthly LIRR ticket will increase by around 4.5%. The MTA says no monthly ticket price will exceed $500. All other ticket prices will increase by up to 8%.

The surcharge for tickets purchased onboard from a conductor or on the TrainTime app will increase by $2.

All one-way tickets expire at 4 a.m. the day after purchase. For example, a ticket purchased at 10 a.m. Monday will expire at 4 a.m. Tuesday.

There will be no more round-trip tickets. Instead, the LIRR will introduce a new Day Pass for unlimited travel. The Day Pass will be valid on the day of purchase and until 4 a.m. the following day.

On weekdays, the Day Pass will cost 10% less than two peak one-way tickets. On weekends, it will cost the same as two one-way off-peak tickets.

The 10-trip ticket will go away. Instead, there will be a "pay as you go" discount for mobile customers. After 10 peak or off-peak trips in 14 days, mobile customers will get an 11th peak or off-peak one-way trip for free during the same 14-day period.

A reduced fare ticket will be available all day, every day for seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients, even during the morning peak period.

Children aged 5-17 will be able to ride for $1 each on the Family Fare program when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. The change makes the program available to older children.

Customers who repeatedly activate tickets on board will be subject to an $8 surcharge after an escalating series of warnings.

The New York City subway fare will increase from $2.90 to $3.

Tolls on MTA bridges & tunnels will increase by 7.5%.

Affected Crossings: