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NYC Council pushes to expand Fair Fares transit discounts to more low-income New Yorkers
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 11, 2025
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Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 11, 2025
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City councilmembers and transit advocates are calling on Mayor Eric Adams to expand the Fair Fares program, which offers half-price subway and bus rides to low-income New Yorkers, in the city budget due by July 1.
Since its launch in 2019, eligible riders have been able to use Fair Fares through discounted MetroCards or OMNY, the MTA’s contactless payment system. But currently, only those earning up to 145% of the federal poverty line can enroll.
The federal poverty level for a single person is $15,650, and $54,150 for a family of eight, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That means a single New Yorker earning up to $22,600, or a family of four making up to $46,600, is currently eligible.
During a City Hall rally Tuesday, councilmembers called for expanding eligibility to 200% of the federal poverty level. The change would open the program to hundreds of thousands more New Yorkers, including many minimum wage workers.
“Let’s be clear: No one should have to choose between a Metrocard and groceries,” said Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers from Queens, who also heads the transit subcommittee. “Fair Fares is smart policy, it’s equitable policy and it’s time we make it a reality in this budget.”
Brooks-Powers said she plans to introduce a resolution supporting a state bill that would expand eligibility to anyone earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line.
Roughly 361,000 New Yorkers are currently enrolled in the program, according to the Fair Fares website. In addition to subway and bus discounts, the program also covers rides on the Staten Island Railway, Hudson Rail Link, Roosevelt Island Tram and Access-A-Ride.
This latest push follows previous Council efforts that raised eligibility thresholds — most recently from 120% to 145% last year.
“Public transit is the lifeblood of our city. Being able to afford the fare means you can pursue job opportunities and go to school, see your friends and meet your everyday obligations,” Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said. “And yet far too many people aren’t able to access public transit, which prevents them from moving within their own city.”
A spokesperson for City Hall said the administration is focused on making public transit more affordable and has already expanded Fair Fares twice in two years, now covering over 360,000 riders.
The spokesperson added that further expansion should wait until the city can evaluate how recent changes have performed, especially as the budget faces other demands.
The city also noted that it recently launched OMNY access for Fair Fares users, as well as a promotional campaign to raise awareness of the program.
The MTA said it supports the Council’s effort.
“The MTA supports the City Council's effort to expand eligibility and use of Fair Fares and advocated for 200% of the federal poverty level as well,” Shanifah Rieara, the agency’s chief customer officer, said in a statement. “No New Yorker should be prevented from using trains and buses to get to jobs, education, and healthcare simply because they cannot afford it.”
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Politics
new york city
transportation
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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