 Since July 4, 1997, massively increased transfer privileges and pass discounts have lowered the average real fare significantly.According to MTA figures, only 2.1% of rides are single-ride fares.From the inauguration of IRT subway services in 1904 until the unified system of 1948 (including predecessor BMT and IND subway services), the fare for a ride on the subway of any length was 5 cents ($.05 in 1904 ; $.05 in 1948 ).