How much was the New York City subway in 1970?

This is a close up view of a 20 cent New York City subway token in 1969. On Jan. 4, 1970, the price of the token increased to 30 cents, and a larger token will be introduced along with the fare hike.



In 1970, the New York City subway fare was 30 cents. This price point marked a significant moment in the transit system's history, as the fare was raised from 20 cents on January 1, 1970, to help cover massive operating deficits and fund infrastructure repairs. For passengers at the time, this was a 50% increase, which unfortunately contributed to a decline in ridership throughout the decade. This was also the era of the subway token, as the iconic "Y-cut" tokens were the primary currency for passing through turnstiles before the introduction of the MetroCard in the 1990s. The 1970s were a turbulent time for the MTA, characterized by fiscal crises and the "vicious cycle" of fare hikes followed by reduced service and deteriorating conditions. To put it in perspective, that 30-cent fare would be worth roughly $2.40 to $2.60 in 2026 dollars, suggesting that while the face value seems low today, it represented a notable expense for the average New Yorker during a period of high inflation and urban economic struggle.

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