The City of New York reminded New Yorkers that the Fair Fares program, which offers MetroCards at a 50% discount to low-income New Yorkers regardless of their immigration status, has expanded and many more people now qualify for this benefit.
In late 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced a substantial investment and expansion of eligibility for the half-price discount on public transportation. The Fair Fares program offers eligible low-income New Yorkers a 50 percent discount on buses and trains.
“New York City has regained nearly 1 million jobs lost during the pandemic, and public transportation is a key component to building on that momentum and ensuring our recovery remains inclusive for working families,” said Mayor Adams. “The $20 million we are investing (in partnership with the City Council) along with expanding the program will ensure that even more New Yorkers can keep more money in their pockets while making the Fair Fares program (and the public transportation system) of our city) are more accessible.”
The rule change raises the program’s income eligibility standard for the first time, raising it to 120% of the federal poverty level, a 20% increase from the previous year. Previously, the Fair Rates discount was available only to New Yorkers ages 18 to 64 with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
This additional funding will ensure DSS can effectively and efficiently connect newly eligible New Yorkers to Fair Fares, while continuing to offer discounted rates to existing customers. Currently, more than 300,000 New Yorkers are enrolled in the Fair Fares program. Due to the new expansion, many additional low-income New Yorkers will now qualify for the program’s 50 percent discount on eligible subway and bus fares or MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips.
REQUEST THE PROGRAM
WHAT IS THE FAIR FARES PROGRAM?
Fair Fares NYC is a New York City program created to help low-income New Yorkers manage the cost of transportation. By using the Fair Fares NYC discount, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on eligible train and bus fares. Fair Fares NYC may also offer 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride rides.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE PROGRAM?
The rule change raises the program’s income eligibility standard for the first time, raising it to 120% of the federal poverty level, a 20% increase from the previous year. Previously, the Fair Rates discount was available only to New Yorkers ages 18 to 64 with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
NOTE: Fair Fares NYC will not ask you questions about your immigration status, nor will it record any information about it.
New Fair Fares Income Limits by Household Size
Persons in household/family sizeMaximum income (120 percent of federal poverty level)1$17.4962$23.6643$29.8324$36.0005$42.1686$48.3367$54.4048$60.6729$66.84010$73,008
HOW CAN I REQUEST HELP?
All New York City residents can apply for the Fair Fares NYC discount. Go to the website nyc.gov/accessfairfares to learn more about it and submit your request.
HOW DOES IT WORK AND WHERE DO I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Once your application is approved, please allow 2-3 weeks for us to mail your Fair Fares NYC MetroCard via the United States Postal Service. If you selected the Access-A-Ride discount, you will not receive a MetroCard.
For more details, Check out this very complete guide to the city.
2024-03-28 18:36:13
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