Where the $3 Bite Is Strongest: Geography & Transit Gaps

Outer boroughs, transit deserts, long commutes

In many outer-borough neighborhoods (particularly in eastern Brooklyn, southeastern Queens, and parts of the Bronx), subway and bus service is thin. Riders often endure multiple transfers or long waits just to reach major hubs. Because of this, a $3 ride can cascade into higher daily transit costs.

Researchers and advocates point out that some areas are "transit deserts": zones where the nearest subway might be 1+ mile away, or buses run infrequently. These gaps push residents into longer commutes and force them to budget extra time and money for travel.

The MTA has responded partly with targeted bus route enhancements. For example, service improvements on the S46 / S96 bus lines aim to ease Staten Islanders' commute burdens. But fixes are uneven, and many outer boroughs still lag in the pace of upgrades and service additions.

As the fare rises, the pain is magnified where mobility was already constrained, making infrastructure gaps feel even more expensive.