NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The MTA board voted this morning on a plan that would do away with the MetroCard bonus but keep the base fare at $2.75.
Under the plan, the price of a weekly or monthly MetroCard will also rise to from $32 to $33 and $121 to $127, respectively. Commuter LIRR and Metro-North fares will go up by about 4 percent.
The fare hikes will take effect April 21.
Tolls on MTA bridges and tunnels will also rise by 8 percent on March 31.
MTA leaders announced critical cost-reduction and reform initiatives at the meeting. They include consolidation of some office functions a hiring freeze and a reduction in vendor and contractor costs.
RELATED: MTA could eliminate MetroCard bonuses in Wednesday vote | Cuomo, de Blasio unveil MTA funding proposal that includes congestion pricing
Mayor Bill de Blasio has agreed to a plan proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to fund MTA improvements which would include congestion pricing to help make necessary subway repairs and improvements.
Although de Blasio had preferred a "millionaire's tax," he agreed to charging drivers entering the city south of 61st Street because he won key guarantees. The governor says tolls would vary depending on the time of day.
Mayor de Blasio also addressed changes that would help outer borough communities.
"This new proposal that I have offered with the governor, does address the needs of outer borough communities that deserve more investment, particularly in transit deserts," the mayor said. "Money would be allocated and prioritized under this plan, for outer borough communities that need more mass transit."
Additional revenue would come through taxes on internet sales and legalized recreational marijuana.
Lawmakers say they'd like to have congestion pricing set by the end of next year.
