The MTA’s chief will consider reduced night and weekend fares as part of the new “smart card” program, officials said yesterday.
If the idea is implemented, it would be one of the most significant changes to subway and bus fares in recent years.
Jay Walder, who took the helm of the agency two weeks ago, already said he intends to implement a no-swipe fare-payment system similar to the one he ushered in when he ran London’s transit system.
Walder has said that the new smart card — which could be in place in 2014 — would calculate the cheapest fare for straphangers based on how much they ride, similar to London’s Oyster card.
He is open to the new system providing discounts at night and on weekends, when fewer people are riding the rails and buses, the officials said.
Walder hasn’t officially solidified a plan for the discounts, but indicated that he would consider the idea, according to a source.
The MTA chief recently told The Post that the new card could double as a debit card, indicating that fares would be deducted directly from bank accounts.
Since taking office, Walder has stressed that the MTA needs drastic technology upgrades.
These include the smart card, of course, as well as countdown clocks for subways telling passengers when trains will arrive, and camera enforcement of bus lanes.
The MTA increased a single-ride subway and bus fare by 25 cents this year, to $2.25.