Lead Stories, News

County announces public hearing on proposed Bee-Line fare hikes

by Jim Scova

Westchester County will host a public hearing on Dec. 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains to gather feedback on proposed fare adjustments for the Bee-Line Bus System. The fare changes, scheduled to take effect on Jan. 4, 2026, are being advanced to bring the County’s Bee-Line fares into compliance
with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) regional fare structure as the MTA transitions fully to OMNY.

These proposed adjustments are necessitated by the MTA’s fare decisions, which directly impact all regional transit
systems, including the Bee-Line. While the County is required to maintain fare alignment for interoperability and OMNY integration, these fare levels are set by the MTA—not by Westchester County.

The upcoming hearing is the County’s opportunity to ensure Bee-Line riders have a voice in the process before the MTA-driven fare alignment takes effect. The proposal includes adjustments to the base fare and reduced fare categories, as well as a separate increase for the BxM4C express route. Aligning Bee-Line fares with the MTA’s
current rate ensures riders maintain free transfers and benefit from the 7-day OMNY fare cap.

As the MTA phases out 7-day and 30-day MetroCards, the Bee-Line will adopt the OMNY $35 weekly fare cap for unlimited trips, excluding the BxM4C. Proposed Bee-Line Bus Fares Effective January 4, 2026

The County will also provide access to the public hearing virtually via videoconference. Registration is required online
at https://bit.ly/omny-12. Those in attendance for the hearing will be given an opportunity to speak.

The hearing will allow riders to share thoughts on the proposed changes. Written comments may be submitted at
the hearing, emailed to [beeline@westchestercountyny.gov] beeline@westchestercountyny.gov, or mailed to the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation, 148 Martine Avenue, 5th Floor, White
Plains, NY 10601. All written comments must be received by the close of business on December 19, 2025.

The Michaelian Office Building is located at 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601, and the public hearing
will be located on the fifth floor in conference room 527. This is an accessible building. For further information, visit the BeeLine System website at [www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus]
www.westchestergov