New Yorkers voiced strong opposition Tuesday night to the MTA’s proposed fare and toll increases, saying they’re already paying more without seeing improvements in service.

At the first of three public hearings, riders shared personal struggles of living in one of the country's most expensive cities.

Many said tough times have forced difficult choices.

“I am standing before you today admitting that I have hopped the turnstile. There are times when I have tried to pay and my card declined,” one rider said.

Since the last fare hike in 2023, which raised the base subway fare 15 cents to $2.90, commuters say they’ve faced flooded infrastructure, frequent delays and even a mass shooting.

If approved, the base subway fare would rise from $2.90 to $3. Commuters on the LIRR and Metro-North, along with drivers crossing bridges such as the Verrazzano and Robert F. Kennedy, could also face higher costs, with additional increases expected in 2027 and 2029.

Few speakers supported the hike.

“It’s necessary to increase these fares as we go forward. And I don’t mind paying an extra 50 cents for using the bridges and tunnels a lot,” one supporter said.

Many riders argued that funds should be invested in real improvements.

“Just from paying the fare and paying our tolls, we don’t see it go to transit workers. We don’t see it go to improving the trains. We don’t see it go to putting AC in train stations so that people aren’t passing out,” one commuter said.

The MTA board is expected to vote on the proposed hikes this fall.

Meanwhile, riders say they’re ready to fight back against another increase.