In June 2026, New York City announced the expansion of the Fair Fares NYC program, increasing eligibility from 150 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. This expansion will extend eligibility for half-priced subway and bus fares to an estimated 1.3 million working-age New York City residents and will reduce transportation costs for many households struggling to afford the city's rising cost of living.
Research from the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) shows that Fair Fares helps people get to work, school, medical appointments, and essential services. But the research also shows that significant affordability and enrollment challenges remain.
For many New Yorkers, using public transportation is not optional. It's how people get to work, attend school, attend medical appointments, buy groceries, and care for their families. But the cost of getting around the city can put a significant strain on families that are struggling to build economic security.
Fair Fares NYC helps address that challenge by providing low-income New Yorkers with a 50 percent discount on subway and bus fares. Since its inception in 2018, the program has become one of the city's most important tools for making New York more affordable.
CSS research shows that Fair Fares has a meaningful impact on people's daily lives. In early 2026, we conducted a survey of 1,653 New Yorkers who receive benefits like SNAP, Cash Assistance, or CityFHEPS housing vouchers, which closely overlap with Fair Fares eligibility:
Building on the program's success in making transit more affordable, New York City expanded Fair Fares eligibility from 150 percent to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) in June 2026, significantly increasing the number of NYC residents who can receive discounted transit fares.
In total, the expansion is expected to make approximately 1.3 million working-age New Yorkers eligible for the program. An estimated 45 percent of newly eligible residents are regular commuters, meaning the expansion will reduce transportation costs for upwards of 500,000 people.
The expansion is particularly important at a time when many New Yorkers are struggling with the rising cost of living. Transportation is one of the expenses households cannot avoid. Expanding Fair Fares moves New York in a more equitable and just direction by easing this burden.
While the expansion is an important step forward, research from CSS shows that many eligible New Yorkers are still not enrolled in the program.
In our 2026 survey of New Yorkers who receive public benefits, more than one in three respondents reported that they were not enrolled in Fair Fares.
If the program is not reaching a significant share of people who are already engaged with government services, then it is likely also missing many additional eligible residents who are not already connected to those services.
Survey respondents also reported barriers to accessing Fair Fares, including lengthy applications, confusing renewal processes, and delays that caused benefits to lapse.
These findings point to a significant opportunity to strengthen Fair Fares by making enrollment simpler and ensuring that everyone who qualifies can access this important benefit.
Even for New Yorkers who receive Fair Fares, transportation costs often remain an obstacle to economic security.
In our 2026 survey, 64 percent of Fair Fares users said that public transportation is still difficult to afford even with the program's half-priced discount. As one Queens resident explained, "Even with half off, it's 3 bucks a day for a round trip. That's a lot."
The findings suggest that additional reforms could make the program even more effective. CSS recommends:
Together, these reforms would help ensure that Fair Fares reaches everyone who qualifies and that the cost of public transportation is no longer a barrier to economic security.
Fair Fares NYC is a New York City program that provides eligible residents with a 50 percent discount on MTA subway, local bus fares, and Access-A-Ride. The program, which was created in 2018, is designed to make public transit more affordable for low-income New Yorkers.
New York City residents ages 18 to 64 who meet the program's requirements can qualify for Faires. In June 2026, New York City expanded eligibility to households with income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Households with income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) may be eligible. The table below shows the Fair Fares eligibility annual income limit, as of 2026:
| Household Size | Annual Income (200% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 |
| Each person over 8, add | $11,360 |
Eligible New Yorkers can apply through New York City's Fair Fares NYC website. The website provides ways to check your eligibility and submit your application.
As of July 2026, more than 370,000 New York City residents are enrolled in Fair Fares.
CSS survey respondents report barriers such as lengthy applications, confusing renewal processes, and delays that caused benefits to lapse. These findings suggest there are opportunities to simplify enrollment and increase participation among eligible New York City residents.
New York City expanded Fair Fares to make public transportation more affordable to a greater number of low-income residents. By increasing the eligibility limit from 150 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), the expansion makes an estimated 1.3 million working-age New Yorkers eligible for half-priced subway and bus fares. The change is expected to help hundreds of thousands of additional commuters.
Yes. CSS research shows that Fair Fares has a meaningful impact on the daily lives of low-income New Yorkers who are enrolled.
In a 2026 survey of 1,653 New York City residents receiving public benefits, nearly all Fair Fares users (92%) said the program makes it easier to get around the city, and more than four in five (81%) said the savings help them afford other essentials such as housing, food, and utilities. By reducing transportation costs, Fair Fares is improving access to work, school, and health care while simultaneously helping recipients pay their bills.
CSS research has shown that many low-income New Yorkers still see public transit costs as a barrier to economic stability, even with a half-priced discount. CSS ultimately envisions a Fair Fares program that offers free transit for New Yorkers at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, and discounted fares for those up to 300 percent, which would finally include New Yorkers making minimum wage.
Additionally, when Access-A-Ride users age out of Fair Fares at age 65, they must pay the full fare. While subway and bus riders can transition into the MTA Reduced Fare program for senior citizens, the senior discount is not available for Access-A-Ride. Access-A-Ride users who qualify for Fair Fares should have their half-priced fares extended past the current cutoff at age 64.
Nearly 400,000 New York City residents receive half-priced subway and bus fares through Fair Fares. Yet there are still hundreds of thousands of eligible New Yorkers who have not enrolled.
To better understand Fair Fares and how low-income New Yorkers experience the transit system more broadly, this brief draws on a 2026 CSS survey of New Yorkers receiving public benefits. The findings highlight the strengths and limitations of Fair Fares and point to challenges that low-income New Yorkers face navigating the transit system, including cost, reliability, and safety.
Mass transit plays a critical role for New York City's 8 million residents and fuels the local and regional economy. But many New Yorkers can't fully take advantage of public transit and the economic opportunities it can create because they can't afford the fare.
Fair Fares, which provides half-price MetroCards to eligible New Yorkers, has been a lifeline for about 300,000 people struggling to afford transit. This brief analyzes the state of transit affordability in New York and the vital role Fair Fares expansion can play, along with other policy recommendations, in alleviating the transit hardships that so many New Yorkers face.
Fair Fares NYC, a program that provides a 50 percent discount on subway and eligible bus fares for New York City residents living at or below the federal poverty level (FPL), is a critical lifeline to education, employment, medical care and other basic necessities for low-income New Yorkers. But the program’s allocation was slashed by 62 percent during the pandemic, and the partially restored funding for FY 2022 ($53 million) is still just half of the original allocation.
Our mass transit system can be our city’s great economic equalizer, an engine for upward mobility, and is a key to jumpstarting an inclusive recovery. Young people trying to enter the workforce and displaced workers seeking jobs across the five boroughs will greatly benefit from reduced transit costs. Yet this nalysis of data from our 2021 Unheard Third (UHT) survey—the longest running scientific survey of low-income communities in the nation—found that many eligible New Yorkers are not aware of Fair Fares. It is more important than ever to strengthen Fair Fares and ensure eligible New Yorkers are enrolled.
Why are drivers who don’t pay treated so differently from transit users who don’t pay? In "No Easy Pass for Transit Riders" we look into the difference in penalty faced by transit users in NYC by transit type and find that subway and bus riders pay a significantly higher penalty for the inability to pay than those with personal vehicles. Part of the Criminalizing Poverty series.
In the first three months of 2017, the NYPD has arrested 4,600 people for fare evasion, an overwhelming 90 percent of them black or Hispanic. In Brooklyn in 2016, young black men (ages 16-36) made up half of all fare evasion arrests, but represent only 13.1 percent of poor adults. This sort of “broken windows” policing of low-level crimes of poverty has disproportionately targeted poor communities of color—criminalizing young black men in Brooklyn at alarmingly high rates.
"The Crime of Being Short $2.75: Policing Communities of Color at the Turnstile" examines fare evasion arrest data from public defender organizations and finds that, in Brooklyn, poor black communities have higher arrest rates for jumping the turnstile than other areas of Brooklyn, even when accounting for poverty and crime.
For working poor New Yorkers, the high cost of transit has become a significant barrier to getting ahead. According to our 2015 Unheard Third survey, more than 1 in 4 poor New Yorkers said they often can't afford subway or bus fare, and many are prevented from accessing medical care or even taking a job away from home because of unaffordable fares.
"The Transit Affordability Crisis" outlines the challenges low-income New York City residents face when paying for mass transit, and proposes a new half-price fare to help those who rely on the MTA the most.
A selection of recent press on the Transit For All campaign
Something to see here: Farebeating is a serious problem underground, By Daily News Editorial Board, February 12, 2019
New York City’s Poor Were Promised Half-Priced MetroCards. They’re Still Waiting, By Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, January 3, 2018
Questions after New York City delays Fair Fares transit program, ABC7, January 3, 2019
Stringer Calls On De Blasio To Detail 'Fair Fares' Program, CBS News, January 3, 2019
Advocates Blast Delayed Details on City's 'Fair Fares' Program, By Van Tieu, NY1, January 3, 2019
Fair Fares target launch date passes with no news from de Blasio administration, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, January 3, 2019
Despite little outreach, de Blasio insists 'word will spread quickly' about Fair Fares half-priced MetroCards next month, By Jillian Jorgensen, Daily News, December 28, 2018
Fair Fares evasion: As the deadline to implement the program approaches, de Blasio fumbles implementation, By Daily News Editorial Board, December 26, 2018
EXCLUSIVE: Stringer urges de Blasio administration to consider providing half-price per-ride MetroCards through Fair Fares, By Jillian Jorgensen, Daily News, December 26, 2018
Fair Fares program is weeks from launch, but advocates say city is slacking on details, By Vincent Barone amNewYork, December 18, 2018
Advocates want pay-per-ride MetroCards offered in low-income transit discount plan, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, December 17, 2018
Fair Fares Program Is Supposed To Start In 2019, But The City Has Yet To Release A Plan, By Stephen Nessen, Gothamist, December 17, 2018
Half-Priced MetroCard Program Will Launch in ’19, But With Limits, By Jeanmarie Evelly, City Limits, November 19, 2018
MTA and City Screw Working Poor with So-Called ‘Fair Fares’, By David Meyer, Streetsblog, November 15, 2018
Half-priced MetroCards for lower-income New Yorkers coming with New Year, By Dan Rivoli and Michael Gartland, Daily News, November 14, 2018
Fair Fares stipulation on MetroCard would exclude NYC's poorest, advocates say, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, November 14, 2018
Fair Fares program: Only unlimited-ride MetroCards will be discounted, By Stacey Delikat, Fox 5 News, November 14, 2018
MTA's 'Fair Fares' Discount MetroCard Program Will Launch Without A Single Ride Option, By Stephen Nessen, Gothamist, November 14, 2018
Student MetroCards put City Teens in a Summer Squeeze, By Sokhna Fall and Fariha Fawziah, City Limits, August 13, 2018
Subway Delays Hit Low-Income New Yorkers the Hardest, Report Says, By Emma G. Fitzsimmons and Tyler Blint-Welsh, New York Times, June 27, 2018
Celebran aprobación de financiamiento de MetroCard para pobres, By José Martínez, El Diario, June 13, 2018
Means-Based, Transit-Fare Discounts Take a Leap Forward in the Big Apple, By Irvin Dawid, planetizen.com, June 13, 2018
Mom who wrote about struggles affording subway rides celebrates Fair Fares victory, By Jillian Jorgensen, Daily News, June 12, 2018
Aseguran fondos que harán realidad subsidio de MetroCards para 800 mil pobres en NYC, El Diario, June 12, 2018
Funding for Fair Fares, discounted MetroCards for poor, celebrated at Fulton Street rally, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, June 12, 2018
Half-fare Metrocards become a reality, but could the program get cut when needed most?, By James Ford, WPIX 11, June 12, 2018
Fair Fares: New York City budget includes $106 million for discount MetroCard program, By Lauren Glassberg, abc7New York, June 12, 2018
Straphangers on board with MTA's Fair Fares program, News 12 Brooklyn, June 12, 2018
Mayor & City Council Agree On $89 Billion Budget, CBS New York, June 12, 2018
Deal Set on $89.15 Billion New York City Budget, By Katie Honan, Wall Street Journal, June 12, 2108
City budget includes $106 million for Fair Fares, By Paula Katinas, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, June 12, 2018
Fair Fares Discount MetroCard Program Included In City Budget Deal, NewsRadio880, June 12, 2018
Fair Fares Arrive After 4-Year-Long Wait, By Stephen Nessen, WNYC News, June 12, 2018
City finally reaches deal on discounted MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, By Tanay Warerka, Curbed New York, June 12, 2018
De Blasio boasts of ‘Fair Fare’ with half-price MetroCard deal, By Rich Calder, New York Post, June 12, 2018
Mondays with the Mayor, Part 2: Making a city budget deal, By Inside City Hall, NY1, June 11, 2018
Five things to know about the NYC budget deal: Finally, Fair Fares, City & State, June 11, 2018
Discounted MetroCards for the poor secure funding from de Blasio, City Council, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, June 11, 2018
New York City’s $89 Billion Budget Includes Discount Transit Fare Plan, By William Neuman and J. David Goodman, New York Times, June 11, 2018
Mayor and Council reach $89 billion budget deal that includes funding for half-priced MetroCards, By Erin Durkin and Jillian Jorgensen, Daily News, June 11, 2018
De Blasio, Council Speaker Johnson agree on $89B budget, By Yoav Gonen, New York Post, June 11, 2018
Here's How Fair Fares Could be Implemented Quickly, By Stephen Nessen, WNYC News, June 8, 2018
New York City Will Cut Transit Fares for Low-Income Riders, By Laura Bliss, CityLab, June 8, 2018
Three City Council Members Don't Support 'Fair Fares', By Samar Khurshid, Gotham Gazette, June 8, 2018
Leaders Poised to Provide Discounted MetroCards to Low-Income New Yorkers, By J. David Goodman, New York Times, June 7, 2018
Deal struck to fund 'Fair Fares' half-priced MetroCards: Sources, By Erin Durkin, Jillian Jorgensen and Dan Rivoli, Daily News, June 7, 2018
The money train arrives, By Daily News Editorial Board, June 7, 2018
Source: 'Fair fares' subsidized MetroCard deal reached, By Grace Rauh, NY1 News, June 7, 2018
Half-priced MetroCards near reality for NY’s poorest subway riders, sources say, By Ivan Pereira and Vincent Barone, amNewYork, June 7, 2018
De Blasio, Johnson strike deal for half-price MetroCards, By Yoav Gonen, New York Post, June 7, 2018
Advocates Rally For Half-Price MetroCards To Be Included In City Budget, WCBS 880, June 3, 2018
Intensifican presión por MetroCards para pobres en Nueva York, By David Ramirez, El Diario, June 3, 2018
Fair Fares supporters stage fake ‘meet the mayor’ event after de Blasio snub, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, June 3, 2018
Inside the Fight for ‘Fair Fares’ in New York, By John Surico, VICE, June 1, 2018
Queda solo un mes para aprobar MetroCard para los pobres en el presupuesto, By Edwin Martinez, El Diario, May 29, 2018
Mayor de Blasio, Help New Yorkers Afford Subway Fares, By Corey Johnson and David R. Jones, New York Times, May 24, 2018
Johnson proposes cutting Council initiatives in search for Fair Fares cash, By Gloria Pazmino and Brendan Cheney, Politico, May 17, 2018
‘Fair Fares’ advocates launch drive to get funding for cheap MetroCards, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, May 15, 2018
Fair Fares advocates for discounted MetroCards launch ‘Call the Mayor’ campaign, By Lisa L. Colangelo, amny.com, May 14, 2018
Piden que el alcalde acepte financiar programa de Metrocards baratas, By Fabiola Galindo, NY1noticias.com, May 14, 2018
Arrecian lucha para que De Blasio de luz verde a MetroCard para pobres, By Edwin Martinez, El Diario, May 14, 2018
Transit advocates ask subway riders to call the mayor in push for fair fares, By Kristin Toussaint, Metro US, May 14, 2018
New Yorkers urge de Blasio to support half-price MetroCards for low-income commuters, By Ameena Walker, Curbed New York, May 14, 2018
Announcing The Week-Long Grassroots Effort "Call The Mayor", Bronx.com, May 14, 2018
'Call the Mayor' campaign launched in push for cheaper MetroCards for poor New Yorkers, By Dave Evans, WABC 7 May 14, 2018
Transit group complains no one is answering phone at City Hall, By Rich Calder, New York Post, May 14, 2018
Half-Price MetroCards for the Poor Gain Support, but Not From de Blasio, By Emma G. Fitzsimmons and J. David Goodman, New York Times, May 11, 2018
Campaign for Fair Fares, Tiempo, May 6, 2018
Fair Fares proposal for half-priced MetroCards fails to make de Blasio’s 2019 budget, By Vincent Barone, amNY, April 27, 2018
Proponen ley de transporte gratuito para favorecer a pobres y adultos mayores, By David Ramirez, El Diario, April 18, 2018
Give Poor New Yorkers a Break on Subway and Bus Fares, By The Editorial Board, New York Times, April 13, 2018
New York City Poverty Rate Hits Lowest Level Since Great Recession, By Madina Toure, Observer, April 13, 2018
Rally pushes for 'Fair Fares' discounted MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, ABC 7, April 11, 2018
Officials, advocates rally for Metrocard discounts, By Gloria Pazmino, Politico Pro, April 11, 2018
'Swipe Us In' With Half-Price MetroCards, Advocates Tell Mayor, By Noah Manskar, Patch.com, April 11, 2018
Fair Fares Coalition steps up fight for half-price MetroCards, By Paula Katinas, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, April 11, 2018
The Fair Fares Program Could Go Underway, By Benedict Carrizzo, WFUV, April 11, 2018
Advocates rally for reduced-priced MetroCards for low-income NYers, NY 1, April 11, 2018
‘Fair Fare’ Proposal Pushes For Half-Priced MetroCards For Low-Income New Yorkers, CBS New York, April 11, 2018
Advocates To De Blasio: Approve Fair Fares, WCBS News Radio, April 11, 2018
Will 800,000 New Yorkers Receive Half-Priced Metrocards?, By Madina Toure, Observer.com, April 11, 2018
Corey Johnson: NYC “Should Not Wait on Albany” to Fund Discount MetroCards for Poor New Yorkers, By David Meyer, Streetsblog, April 11, 2018
In Response to De Blasio Proposal, City Council Sets Stage for Tense Budget Negotiations, By Samar Khurshid, Gotham Gazette, April 11, 2018
Pressure mounts on de Blasio as more city officials support half-priced MetroCards for poor New Yorkers, By Jillian Jorgensen, Daily News, April 11, 2018
City Council pushes for half-price MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, By Ameena Walker, Curbed New York, April 11, 2018
Council Speaker Pushes Half-Price MetroCards for Low-Income New Yorkers, By Paul Berger, Wall Street Journal, April 10, 2018
MetroCards Could Be Half-Price For Some NYers Under New Plan, By Noah Manskar, Patch.com, April 10, 2018
City Council Makes Half-Priced MetroCards a Top Priority, Defying de Blasio, By Stephen Nessen, WNYC News, April 10, 2018
Poorer New Yorkers would get half-price MetroCards under City Council’s budget plan, By Erin Durkin and Jillian Jorgensen, Daily News, April 10, 2018
Fair fares proposal for half-priced MetroCards to be included in City Council budget response, Johnson says, By Vincent Barone and Nicole Brown, amNewYork, April 10, 2018
El Concejo Municipal incluye en su presupuesto las ‘MetroCards para pobres’, By Ramón Frisneda, El Diario, April 10, 2018
What Will Save New York City’s Subways—Millionaires Tax or Congestion Pricing?, By Madina Toure, Observer, March 27, 2018
Politicians support funding cheap MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, By Dan Rivoli and Jillian Jorgensen, Daily News, March 26, 2018
City Council demands discounted MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, By Zoe Rosenberg, Curbed New York, March 26, 2018
Bus, subway fares still aren’t fair for working poor, By Zak Kostro, The Riverdale Press, March 16, 2018
Op-Ed: How Long Does It Take to Do the Right Thing?, By Brandon Hicks, Kings County Politics, March 13, 2018
Fair Fares shouldn’t require a special tax, By Nancy Rankin, Daily News, March 7, 2018
TWU Head Rips Vance On Laissez-Fare Beats, By Bob Hennelly, The Chief-Leader, March 2, 2018
Legal Fair Jumping, Thirteen MetroFocus, February 26, 2018
De Blasio’s being terribly un-fare: His stance on farebeating arrests isn't progressive at all, By Robert Gangi, Daily News, February 23, 2018
To prosecute or not prosecute fare evaders, By Stephon Johnson, New York Amsterdam News, February 15, 2018
MetroCard discounts for low-income New Yorkers should be funded in de Blasio’s budget, BP Diaz says, By Lauren Cook, amNY, February 14, 2018
New Policy Nixes Prosecution for NYC Turnstile Jumpers, By Andrew McCormick, Jewish Voice, February 14, 2018
Riders Alliance holds Albany rally for transit fix-up funds, By Paula Katinas, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, February 13, 2018
Advocates rip de Blasio saying available evidence shows fare-beaters are mostly poor, Daily News, By Erin Durkin and Rich Schapiro, February 10, 2018
Turnstile Jumping Pits de Blasio Against Police Reformers, By J. David Goodman, New York Times, February 7, 2018
Turnstile jumping should be prosecuted by Manhattan DA, Lhota says, By Vincent Barone, amNY, February 6, 2018
BronxTalk: Transit Issues, Interview with Harold Stolper, BronxNet Television, January 9, 2018
Turnstile policing, David R. Jones on Here and Now, Channel 7, December 17, 2017
NYPD debe rendir cuentas sobre arrestos de evasores en el Subway, By Edwin Martinez, El Diario, December 12, 2017
Council Passes Lancman Bill For Subway Fare Evasion, By Ariel Hernandez, Queens Tribune, December 12, 2017
Bill To Force Reports On Fare-Beating Arrests Passes Council, By Noah Manskar, Patch, December 12, 2017
Turnstile jumping data on arrests, summonses could be made public under City Council bill, By Vincent Barone, amny.com, December 7, 2017
New York City's poorest riders badly need our help. It's only fair, By Rubén Díaz Jr., City & State, November 30, 2017
As Bill de Blasio Enters Second Term, Progressives Push for More, By J. Brian Charle, governing.com, November 15, 2017
Congestion Pricing Isn’t Regressive—Failing to Fix Transit Is, By Nick Sifuentes, City Limits, October 31, 2017
CSS report: Poor communities of color are targeted in fare hike arrests, By Stephon Johnson, New York Amsterdam News, October 19, 2017
This $2.75 gateway to jail targets New York’s poorest black neighborhoods, By Rebecca McCray, Injustice Today, October 17, 2017
#SwipeItForward: Why People With Transit Passes Are Swiping in People Without, By Kevon Paynter, YES! Magazine, October 17, 2017
Report: NYPD Targets Communities of Color for Jumping Turnstiles, By Joshua Scott Albert, mass appeal, October 17, 2017
Group says report shows racial disparity in NYPD fare evasion arrests, By Jose Martinez, NY1 News, October 16, 2017
Brooklyn turnstile jumping arrests target poor African-Americans: Report, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, October 16, 2017
Bill de Blasio’s Police Reform Agenda has Achieved Much and Disappointed Many, By Jarrett Murphy, City Limits, October 16, 2017
Poor black Brooklyn residents targeted for fare evasion arrests: Report, By Kristin Toussaint, metro, October 16, 2017
Poor Black Communities Targeted for Turnstile-Jumping Arrests, Report Says, By Gwynne Hogan, dnainfo, October 16, 2017
Report: Poor Black Brooklynites Most Likely To Be Arrested For Turnstile Jumping, By Emma Whitford, gothamist, October 16, 2017
Helping the Poor Get Through the Turnstiles, By The Editorial Board, New York Times, August 3, 2017
No excuses, Mr. Mayor – support Fair Fares, By Nick Powell, City & State, July 31, 2017
De Blasio’s Progressivism Doesn’t Include Right to Public Transit, By Felipe De La Hoz, Gotham Gazette, July 17, 2017
Can Turnstile Jumping Be Prosecuted ‘Kindly’?, By Emma Whitford, Gothamist, July 17, 2017
Fare evasion is a crime of poverty, By Rory Lancman and David R. Jones, Daily News, June 16, 2017
When People Can’t Afford Transit, New York City Pays for It — One Way or Another, By David Meyer, Streetsblog, June 16, 2017
De Blasio MTA Appointee Slams NYPD Fare Evasion Arrests, By Madina Toure, Observer, June 7, 2017
NYPD’s ‘unfair’ fare-beating policing continues, despite calls for transparency, By Vincent Barone, amny.com, June 7, 2017
Quieren que el NYPD dé datos sobre arrestos por evadir tarifas, By Camille Padilla Dalmau, El Diario, June 7, 2017
De Blasio Declines To Fund Half-Price MetroCards For New Yorkers Living In Poverty, By Emma Whitford, Gothamist, June 7, 2017
Help Poor New Yorkers Buy Transit Passes, By the Editiorial Board, New York Times, June 6, 2017
NYPD Won’t Release Arrest Info on Turnstile Jumping, MTA Board Member Says, By Gwynne Hogan, dnainfo, May 22, 2017
Criminal Justice Advocates Call on de Blasio to Provide Discount Fares for Poor New Yorkers, By David Meyer, Streetsblog, May 17, 2017
Activistas insisten en los $200 millones para subsidiar la MetroCard, By Edwin Martinez, El Diario, May 18, 2017
‘Fair Fares’ movement urges half-price MetroCards for poor to ease turnstile-jumping crime, Dan Rivoli, Daily News, May 18, 2017
¡Piénsalo antes de saltar el torniquete en el Subway! Podrías terminar en la cárcel, El Diario, May 17, 2017
Straphangers Accuse De Blasio Of Criminalizing Poverty In The Subway, By Emma Whitford, Gothamist, May 17, 2017
When Poverty Is A Crime On The Subway, By Nick Pinto, Village Voice, May 17, 2017
NYC Has An Affordability Crisis — So Why Won’t Politicians Help The Poor Afford Public Transit?, The Village Voice, By Christopher Robbins, May 1, 2017
Low-income metro card proposal excluded from mayor’s budget, By Vincent Barone, am New York, April 26, 2017
Eleven things to watch for in de Blasio’s executive budget, By Laura Nahmias, Politico, April 26, 2017
Advocates push de Blasio to get on board with half-price MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, April 25, 2017
Transit union boss joins fight to reduce MetroCard fares for the poor, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, April 25, 2017
Lawmakers call for half-priced MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, News 12 Brooklyn, April 25, 2017
Seeking Compromise, Advocates Ask De Blasio To Phase In Half-Price MetroCards For Poor NYers, By Emma Whitford, Gothamist, April 25, 2017
Brooklyn Lawmakers Use Fair Fares Rally To Highlight Wealth Disparity, By Kelly Mena, Kings County Politics, April 25, 2017
De Blasio’s ‘Piecemeal’ Transportation Agenda, By Luke Foley, Gotham Gazette, April 6, 2017
NYC Council Urges Transit Discounts for Low-Income Riders, By Kelsey E. Thomas, Next City, April 6, 2017
Harlem’s Rodriguez, Fair Fares Coalition Discusses Anti-Poverty Initiative, By Harlem World Magazine, April 5, 2017
Half price MetroCard program wins City Council’s approval, By Amanda Mikelberg, Metro.US, April 5, 2017
NYC Council proposes millions for discount MetroCards for poor, Citi Bike expansion, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, April 4, 2017
De Blasio’s “Two Cities” – one with transportation and one without, By Christina Greer, City & State, March 26, 2017
Fair Fares funding a test for New York’s progressive mayor, By David R. Jones and John Raskin, City & State, March 20, 2017
This city needs Fair Fares now more than ever, By City & State, March 20, 2017
Many Commuters Start Work Week Facing Higher MTA Fares and Tolls, WCBS New York, March 20, 2017
New round of MTA Fare and Toll Hikes Now in Effect, ABC 7 Eyewitness News, March 20, 2017
A bumpy ride, Cover story, amNewYork, March 20, 2017
NYers react to latest increase in MTA fares, By Vincent Barone and Rachel Uda, Newsday, March 20, 2017
“MTA Fare Hike Now in Effect as Weekly, Monthly MetroCards Increase in Price, By Natalie Duddridge, NY1, March 19, 2017
Advocates Pressure de Blasio for City Subsidy to Reduced Fare MetroCards By Cheryl Wills, NY1, In Focus, March 19, 2017
New Yorkers rally to subsidize MTA fare for low-income residents By Lisa Evers, Fox5 News, March 19, 2017
Rechazan alza de MetroCard y reclaman tarifa justa para los pobres, By David Ramirez, El Diario, March 19, 2017
Commuters protest MTA fare hike, News 12 Brooklyn, March 19, 2017
MTA fare toll hike in effect: NYC residents react, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, March 19, 2017
The Call, NY1, March 17, 2017
Mayor misses opportunity on MetroCards, Letter to the Editor by Nancy Rankin, Crain’s New York Business, March 2, 2017
‘Fair Fares’ Proposal Dominates Debate at Transportation Hearing, by Luke Foley, Gotham Gazette, February 14, 2017
Transit Advocates Step up Pressure on de Blasio to Commit City Money for Reduced Fare MetroCards, By Jose Martinez, NY1, February 13 2017
Pols push for half-priced MetroCards for poor New Yorkers, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, February 14, 2017
MetroCard discounts for low-income New Yorkers still being pushed by advocates, officials, By Vincent Barone, amny, February 13, 2017
Sigue la lucha para Metro Card a mitad de precio, By Camille Padilla Dalmau, El Diario, February 14, 2017
Dems push de Blasio to cut subway, bus fares for poor, By Michael Gartland, New York Post, February 13, 2017
MTA Fare Hikes Will Come Amid Worse Subway Service, Many Straphangers Say, WCBS 880, February 13, 2017
Transportation advocates seek more affordable MetroCards, News 12 Brooklyn, February 13, 2017
City Should Subsidize Half-Price MetroCards for Poor New Yorkers: Advocates, By Danielle Tcholakian, dna info, February 13, 2017
‘Fair Fares’ Supporters Rally Outside New York City Hall, By Ciara McCarthy, Patch, February 13, 2017
Council Members Press City Hall for Half-Priced MetroCards for Low-Income New Yorkers, By David Meyer, Streetsblog, February 13, 2017
De Blasio again insists reduced subway fare is state’s responsibility, By Conor Skelding, Politico Pro, January 27, 2017
When A Subway Swipe is Out of Reach, By Robert Rush, Gotham Gazette, January 27, 2016
Discounted MetroCard proposal for low-income NYers gets support from city unions, By Vincent Barone, amNew York, January 27, 2017
Saying City ‘Can’t Afford’ ‘Fair Fares,’ De Blasio Points to State, By Samar Khurshid, Gotham Gazette, January 26, 2017
M.T.A. Votes to Raise Fares and Tolls: What You Need to Know, By Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, January 26, 2017
Riding the subway just got more expensive even though it still costs $2.75 per swipe, By Mark Chiusano amNewYork, January 25, 2017
MetroCard rising to $3 per swipe, source says, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, January 25, 2017
Mayor Bill de Blasio has no control over the MTA, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, January 25, 2017
No Half-Priced MetroCard in Mayor’s Preliminary Budget, By Stephen Nessen, WNYC News, January 24, 2017
MTA moves to raise subway fare to $3 per MetroCard swipe, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, January 19, 2017
MTA Expected To Vote For Another Fare Hike For Trains, Buses, Bridges, Tunnels, CBS Channel 2, January 20, 2017
How the poor pay the price for subway-worker benefits, By Nicole Gelinas, New York Post, January 16, 2017
Four borough presidents back Fair Fares proposal that would slash MTA costs for low-income New Yorkers, By Dan Rivioli, Daily News, January 12, 2017
Make the MetroCard a gateway to opportunity, not a barrier, Op-Ed by David R. Jones and Carol Kellermann, Crain’s New York Business, January 8, 2017
Public Transportation Is a Necessity. Why Does New York Price It Like a Luxury?, By David R. Jones and Nancy Rankin, The Nation, January 6, 2017
Mr. Mayor, make good on your promise! By Elinor Tatum, New York Amsterdam News, January 5, 2017
Help ease rising MTA fares, By The Editorial Board, amNewYork, January 3, 2017
For a Fairer Fare, Editorial, El Diario, December 29, 2016
“Fair Fares” Campaign named as one of six best ideas of 2016, Editorial, City & State, December 19, 2016
MTA fare hike proposals met with alarm in Brooklyn, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, December 19, 2016
Reduced transit fare would help get low-wage workers moving, Stuart Appelbaum, New York Amsterdam News, December 15, 2016
Bronx Residents Say Another MTA Fare Hike Would Be Devastating: ‘Do I Buy Groceries or Buy a MetroCard?’, By Anita Abedian, Village Voice, December 14, 2016
MTA fare hike meeting in the Bronx includes calls for half-price MetroCards,By Vincent Barone, amny, December 13, 2016
The MTA’s Proposed $3 Subway Ride Comes Under Fire, WNYC News, December 9, 2016.
Queens residents jeer MTA fare hikes, By Michael Gannon, Queens Chronicle, December 8, 2016.
Pasajeros de la MTA angustiados por alza en tarifas, By Camille Padilla Dalmau, El Diario, December 7, 2016.
MTA fare hike meeting in Queens features bus service complaints, By Vincent Barone, amny, December 6, 2016
As transit fares soar, NYC advocates push for discounts , By Deepti Hajela, Associated Press, December 3, 2016
Reduce Subway Fares for Poor New Yorkers , By The Editorial Board, New York Times, December 2, 2016
Bill’s Fare Evasion, Editorial, Daily News, November 30, 2016
‘Herds of people’ asking for MetroCard swipes add to calls for reduced subway fare, By Kerry Burke, Laura Dimon, Emilie Ruscoe and Dan Rivoli, Daily News, November 28, 2016
Diverse Group of Nonprofits Lining up Behind ‘Fair Fares’ Campaign, By David R. Jones, City & State Insider, November 27, 2016
Don’t want to talk about Donald Trump at Thanksgiving? Here’s some other news to talk about, By Mark Chiusano, amNewYork, November 23, 2016
The Brian Lehrer Show’s #AskTheMayor segment, WNYC News, Nov. 18, 2016.
What’s fare is fair: Making transit affordable for the, poorest New Yorkers, Editorial, Daily News, November 17, 2016
Groups call for half-priced MetroCards for low-income New, Yorkers as costs expected to rise, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, November 17, 2016
Subway Ride Could Cost $3 Under M.T.A. Plan for Fare and, Toll Increases, By Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, November 17, 2016
Tarifas del subway: “La gente ya lo pasa mal para llegar a fin de mes, By Marta Ramirez and Ana B. Nieto, El Diario, November 17, 2016
MTA fare hike proposal for 2017 details unveiled, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, November 17, 2016
As MTA hikes fares, Fair Fares fighters say low-income cards, are urgent, By Amanda Mikelberg, Metro, November 17, 2016
Diverse Group of Nonprofits Lining up Behind ‘Fair Fares’, Campaign, By David R. Jones, New York Nonprofit Media, November 17, 2016
MTA Says A Single Swipe Will Likely Jump To $3 In 2017, By Raphael Pope-Sussman, Gothamist, November 16, 2016
MTA Unveils Two Fare Hike Proposals for 2017; Monthly, MetroCard to Increase by $4.50, Weekly by $1, By Jose Martinez, NY1, November 16, 2016
Single-ride subway ticket could cost $3.25 next spring, By Dana Rubinstein, Politico, November 16, 2016
Get Ready for the $3 MetroCard Swipe (Sorry, Poor People), By Stephen Miller, Village Voice, November 16, 2016
Advocates for New York’s Working Poor Push for Discounted, Transit Fare, By Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, November 11, 2016
Move to subsidize subway fares for poor people gains political momentum, By Dana Rubinstein, Politico, November 4, 2016
Steps in to help NYer who can’t afford MetroCard to see dying mom, By Monica Morales, PIX 11 TV News, October 24, 2016.
David Jones discussing half-price MetroCards to low-income, New Yorkers, NY1, October 21, 2016
A Citywide Call for Fair MTA Fares, By Ariel Hernandez, Southeast Queens Press, October 21, 2016.
With $82 Billion Budget, City Can Afford to Give Half Fare to Working Poor, Column by David R. Jones, New York Amsterdam News, October 20, 2016.
New Yorkers making less than $24,000 a year may get, half-priced MetroCards, By Rebecca Fontana, Time Out New York,October 20 2016
Advocates Push for City to Put Up Funds So Low-Income NYers Can Get Half-Price MetroCards, By Jose Martinez, NY1, October 19, 2016
City officials join call for half-priced MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, By Vincent Barone, amNewYork, October 19, 2016
Push for half-price MetroCards puts de Blasio, not Cuomo, on the hook, By Erik Engquist, Crain’s New York Business, October 19, 2016
Half-price MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers backed by city officials, By Ameena Walker, Curbed NY, October 19, 2016
City Council backs $200M MetroCard discount proposal that would help up to 800,000 low-income New Yorkers, By Dan Rivoli, Daily News, October 19, 2016
Low-Income New Yorkers Desperately Need Half-Price MetroCards, By Ben Fractenberg, DNAinfo, October 19, 2016
Aumenta apoyo a idea de crear MetroCard para pobres, By Edwin Martinez, El Diario, October 19, 2016
City council members, activists call on de Blasio to fund half-price MetroCards, By Addy Baird, PoliticoPro, October 19, 2016
Growing Coalition Urges de Blasio to Fund Discount Fares for Poor Residents, By David Meyer, StreetsblogNYC, October 19, 2016
De Blasio Appointees Form Feisty New Bloc on MTA Board, By Mike Vilensky, Wall Street Journal, October 19, 2016
Fair Fares NYC is a New York City program that provides eligible residents with a 50 percent discount on MTA subway, local bus fares, and Access-A-Ride. The program, which was created in 2018, is designed to make public transit more affordable for low-income New Yorkers.
New York City residents ages 18 to 64 who meet the program's requirements can qualify for Faires. In June 2026, New York City expanded eligibility to households with income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Households with income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) may be eligible. The table below shows the Fair Fares eligibility annual income limit, as of 2026:
| Household Size | Annual Income (200% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 |
| Each person over 8, add | $11,360 |
Eligible New Yorkers can apply through New York City's Fair Fares NYC website. The website provides ways to check your eligibility and submit your application.
As of July 2026, more than 370,000 New York City residents are enrolled in Fair Fares.
CSS survey respondents report barriers such as lengthy applications, confusing renewal processes, and delays that caused benefits to lapse. These findings suggest there are opportunities to simplify enrollment and increase participation among eligible New York City residents.
New York City expanded Fair Fares to make public transportation more affordable to a greater number of low-income residents. By increasing the eligibility limit from 150 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), the expansion makes an estimated 1.3 million working-age New Yorkers eligible for half-priced subway and bus fares. The change is expected to help hundreds of thousands of additional commuters.
Yes. CSS research shows that Fair Fares has a meaningful impact on the daily lives of low-income New Yorkers who are enrolled.
In a 2026 survey of 1,653 New York City residents receiving public benefits, nearly all Fair Fares users (92%) said the program makes it easier to get around the city, and more than four in five (81%) said the savings help them afford other essentials such as housing, food, and utilities. By reducing transportation costs, Fair Fares is improving access to work, school, and health care while simultaneously helping recipients pay their bills.
CSS research has shown that many low-income New Yorkers still see public transit costs as a barrier to economic stability, even with a half-priced discount. CSS ultimately envisions a Fair Fares program that offers free transit for New Yorkers at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, and discoutned fares for those up to 300 percent, which would finally include New Yorkers making minimum wage.
Additionally, when Access-A-Ride users age out of Fair Fares at age 65, they must pay the full fare. While subway and bus riders can transition into the MTA Reduced Fare program for senior citizens, the senior discount is not available for Access-A-Ride. Access-A-Ride users who qualify for Fair Fares should have their half-priced fares extended past the current cutoff at age 64.
