The MTA is proposing raising fares and tolls by around 4 percent over the next two years, which it says it needs to do to keep the system running smoothly.

Officials say it will mark the lowest increase since 2009.

The MTA proposed two plans. 

Under Plan A, the base MetroCard fare stays the same, but the bonus is lower for customers who buy multiple rides at one time.

Under Plan B, the base fare increases by 25 cents, but the bonus will be 16 percent -- so for $40 a straphanger gets $46 on the card.

Under both plans, unlimited seven-day MetroCards increase by $1 to $32, and 30-day MetroCards increase to $121.

As an incentive to get more drivers to use E-ZPass and reduce congestion, bridge and tunnel tolls will increase more for people who pay cash or by mail. For example, on the Henry Hudson Bridge, E-ZPass drives will see an increase of 10 cents, but everyone else will have to pay 50 cents more.

The MTA will hold a series of eight public hearings on the proposals before voting, but whatever plan it chooses will go into effect on March 19.