The Metropolitan Transit Authority put a damper on the New York holiday season, enacting subway and bus fare increases on Dec. 30, just in time for the New Year. It’s the third year in a row that the agency has hiked its prices, an attempt to close a seemingly never-ending budget gap.

While the base cost of a subway or local bus ride on a regular MetroCard stayed at $2.25, a single ride ticket went up 25 cents. Riders who purchase a new MetroCard instead of reloading an old one will be charged $1. The real blow to straphangers’ wallets comes from the cost of the popular unlimited monthly card, which jumped from $89 to $104.

“I was so mad,” said rider Maria Espinosa, as she waited for the No. 4 train at the Mosholu Parkway station. “I’m currently living in a shelter, and I have to take my son back and forth to school every day. I just can’t afford it.”

The hikes are especially maddening, as service appears to be getting worse, riders say.

“With all the delays, construction and renovations—it’s just really bad,” said Bronx straphanger Joshua Pena, also waiting at the Mosholu Parkway platform.

The price increases were approved in October, and were part of an earlier rescue plan to help close the MTA’s enormous budget gap. Last year, despite making some of the most drastic service cuts to bus and subway lines in its history, the agency still found itself with a $900 million shortfall.

Yet another fare hike is planned for 2013.

“It’s ridiculous,” Espinosa said. “People don’t even get to sit on the train.”