December 30, 2025 New Yorkers waking up to the new year are about to face a harsh reality at the docking station. Lyft, the parent company of Citi Bike, has officially pulled the trigger on another round of price hikes, scheduled to hit as early as January 5.

Despite a record-breaking year for ridership, the blue bikes are becoming a luxury many can no longer afford. From annual memberships to per-minute e-bike surcharges, nearly every metric is ticking upward—and the reasoning involves everything from neighborhood expansion to President Trump’s trade tariffs.

The Price of "Progress"

Patrick Knoth, Citi Bike’s General Manager, defended the move as a necessity for a system that receives zero taxpayer dollars. While the fleet has tripled since 2019, maintaining the largest bike-share network in North America apparently comes with a hefty invoice.

The company specifically pointed to "unexpected" and "ongoing" tariffs imposed by the Trump administration as a primary driver for the increased overhead.

The New Math: What You’ll Pay

If you rely on those blue frames to get to work, here is how your bank account will feel the shift:

For those doing the math: A non-member taking a 30-minute e-bike spin will now pay nearly six times the price of a subway swipe.

"Out of Reach": Advocates Sound the Alarm

The backlash was instantaneous. Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, didn't mince words, stating that rates have "skyrocketed" to a point that is "unsustainable for everyday New Yorkers."

Advocates are now turning their eyes toward City Hall. While outgoing Mayor Eric Adams notably stalled on his promise to provide public subsidies for the program, the incoming administration offers a glimmer of hope for frustrated riders. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has already signaled his support for publicly funding the system to bring it in line with the MTA.

Small Mercies

It’s not all bad news for every rider. Lyft confirmed that:

• Reduced Fare Memberships will stay at $60/year.

• Manhattan E-Bike Caps for rides entering/exiting the borough will be held at $5.40 (under 45 minutes).

• Guest Passes and the standard $4.99 unlock fee for non-members will remain unchanged—for now.

As the city shifts gears into a new administration, the question remains: Will Citi Bike remain a viable transit option, or is it destined to become a "pay-to-play" perk for the wealthy?

Is Citi Bike still worth the cost for your commute? Tell us in the comments!