New York City household transportation expenditures increased by 56% in 10 years, second only to housing
According to a recent report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, the percentage of residents using public transportation in New York City has declined across all boroughs from 2013 to 2023. While the report highlights a 56% increase in transportation costs for households in the metropolitan area over the past decade, it remains the second-largest expense for New Yorkers, following housing.
DiNapoli emphasized the financial struggle many New Yorkers are facing, stating that even though transportation costs have risen at a slower rate than in other major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami, they still represent a significant burden for low-income residents. He suggested that one potential solution to mitigate these costs could be to operate public transportation systems 24/7. However, he urged city officials to keep a close eye on transportation expenses to ensure they remain affordable for residents, especially in light of inflation affecting daily living costs.
The report noted that transportation costs include expenses related to purchasing or leasing vehicles, maintenance, fuel, and insurance, collectively representing 17% of total household expenditures in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023. In New York City, the average annual transportation cost for each household was reported to be $12,836. DiNapoli attributed the changes over the decade to shifts in the types of transportation residents are utilizing.
While 48% of New York City households were reported to depend on public transportation in 2023, it marks a decrease across all boroughs since 2013, with Brooklyn experiencing the steepest decline at 10%. According to a survey from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), satisfaction among New York City commuters with public transportation fell by five percentage points to 47%, with cleanliness and homeless issues cited as significant concerns.
Looking ahead, the MTA plans to adjust fares in 2025 as passenger numbers begin to return to pre-pandemic levels, with additional increases expected every two years afterward. DiNapoli pointed out that even though the MTA offers the Fair Fares program, such fare increases could still adversely affect low-income families. His report indicated that nearly 48% of households earning below $51,000 rely on public transportation, compared to 38% from higher-earning households.
DiNapoli underscored the importance of monitoring transportation trends, expanding the Fair Fares program, introducing new student transit cards, and addressing the cost of living for residents in communities with less public transport access. These measures will be essential for the MTA and city transportation agencies as they devise plans for improvements and expansions in the future.