Millions of straphangers would be hit with a $1 surcharge when they get a new MetroCard from a vending machine instead of refilling an old one under one of the MTA’s leading fare-hike and revenue-raising plans, The NY Post is reporting.

“It would provide an incentive to hold on to the card,” a source said, helping rein in manufacturing, distribution and disposal costs as well as providing a new revenue stream for the cash-starved agency.

“When I see what it costs to produce MetroCards, it’s not efficient, and it makes me sick when I see them strewn across the floor at stations,” another source said. “I wouldn’t say I’d be distressed” over a new-card surcharge.

Another major change under consideration is putting a cap on the number of trips using weekly and monthly “unlimited ride” cards. Details of that plan were not immediately available.

The “unlimited ride” restrictions would curb straphangers’ ability to share MetroCards.

Officials are also considering the elimination of off-peak fares on the Metro-North and LIRR commuter rail lines — which would provide another cash injection, sources said.

Some of the MetroCard savings might not last for long. The MTA is hoping to have a credit- and debit-card-based SmartCard program in place by 2014 — essentially eliminating the MetroCard. But the agency could put a surcharge on that program.

Also, sources said, the $27 weekly card could increase by about 4 percent, and the $89 monthly card could rise to just under $100.

But it’s not all bad news.

Under the plans, the single-ride fare — used mostly by occasional riders — would remain at $2.25.

“We’re very interested in keeping the single-ride fare at the level it’s at now,” one source said.

The overall fare hike is still expected to be about 7.5 percent, the number the MTA agreed to after Albany last year authorized a nearly $2 billion bailout for the cash-strapped agency.

“As we’ve said for months, it’s our intention to stick to the planned 7.5 percent increase,” said MTA spokesman Jeremy Soffin.

But that’s not written in stone.

Charging ahead

Leading MTA revenue-raising and fare-hike plans under consideration for 2011:

* Riders would pay a $1 surcharge every time they get a new MetroCard from a vending machine instead of refilling an old one.

* $27 weekly MetroCards would rise by about 4%.

* $89 monthly cards would increase to just under $100.

* Number of rides on weekly and monthly cards would be capped.

* Single-ride fare would remain at $2.25.

* Overall fare hike would be 7.5%.

(Source: NY Post)