M.T.A. Postpones Fare Increase as It Tries to Lure Back Riders

The transit agency cited the financial hardship of many of its customers as it tries to bring back subway, bus and commuter rail ridership.

The transit agency that runs New York City’s subway, buses and two commuter rails will hold off on a fare increase for the rest of the year as it struggles to lure back riders. After raising fares on a regular cycle, the agency, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will not move on what had been a proposed 4 percent increase, Patrick J. Foye, the chairman and chief executive of the M.T.A., said Tuesday. “It’s the board’s unanimous recognition that many of our customers are suffering the aftereffects of the pandemic,” Mr. Foye said in an interview, citing workers who have suffered job losses and salary reductions, and businesses that are facing financial hardship.