Fair Fares NYC, a program that provides half-priced subway and bus fares for New York City residents living at or below the federal poverty level, is a critical transit lifeline for New Yorkers struggling to get to work, school and essential appointments.
CSS Housing Analyst Samuel Stein and CSS Senior Economist Debipriya Chatterjee argue that because 421-a is so expensive and ill-targeted to the city’s housing needs, and because previous efforts to rein in and refocus the program have failed, the best course of action is to let the program expire.
The respective chairs of the State Senate and Assembly Banks committees today joined several nonprofit organizations who advocate on behalf of the 2.4 million New Yorkers struggling with student loan debt to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for including funding for EDCAP (Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program) in her executive budget.
More than one million New Yorkers are uninsured; increasing the number of people insured would reduce morbidity and mortality and improve economic security.
Arresting and prosecuting individuals for fare evasion is a no-win situation. It does not appear to act as much of a deterrent and does not result in increased fare or fine collection. And – as Community Service Society research has shown – NYPD fare evasion enforcement has focused mostly on young people, primarily Black and brown men, who are saddled with indelible criminal records that can close doors to jobs, housing and full participation in the life of this City.