We are proud to share that effective today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Fair Fares NYC income eligibility has increased. More New York City households may now be eligible for discounted fares!
The NYC Department of Social Services- Human Resources Administration (DSS-HRA) has expanded access to the Fair Fares transit discount by implementing a rule change that increases the program’s income eligibility standard to 145% of the federal poverty level. Previously, the Fair Fares discount was available only to New Yorkers ages 18 - 64 whose income was at or below 120% federal poverty level. As a result of this modification to eligibility standards, more New Yorkers will be able to enroll in the program and utilize this critical discount to commute to work, visit friends and family, access medical care, and enjoy all our great city has to offer with assistance for their transit expenses.
The New Fair Fares income limits per household size can be found in the chart below and here.
The Fair Fares NYC Program helps New York City residents with low incomes manage their transportation costs by providing them with a 50% discount on public transportation. Eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available. Fair Fares can also provide 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips.
Fair Fares NYC applications are open to eligible New Yorkers, ages 18-64, whose household income meets program income eligibility requirements. Subway and eligible bus discounts are open to New Yorkers who do not have, and are not eligible for, discounted transportation from the MTA or the City. If individuals meet the Fair Fares NYC eligibility criteria, they may be eligible for the Fair Fares NYC discount on Access-A-Ride fares even if they are already enrolled in the MTA reduced-fare Program for persons with disability or have an Access-A-Ride MetroCard.
Many Cash Assistance and SNAP recipients can ride for half price. Each non-elderly adult should log into ACCESS HRA or create an account to complete their enrollment.
Encourage everyone to ride for half price with Fair Fares by sharing this shortvideo about the program.
The City has also created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that community organizations and others can order in bulk and have delivered free of charge through the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS).
Community Partners interested in ordering outreach materials for the first time, should email DPOS Customer Service at DPOSCustomerService@dss.nyc.govto have their organization/agency registered in the system. Once completed, the requestor will receive an email with a link to create an account, allowing their organization/agency the ability to order from HRA's catalog.
Organizations and agencies with already existing DPOS accounts, should log into their account using the appropriate link below:
The Fair Fares NYC FAQs and Suggested Document List can be foundhere.
We continue to offer training on the Fair Fares NYC program and the application process for community and advocacy organizations, municipal agencies, and Elected Officials' office staff. Register for an upcoming sessionhere.
Thank you for your continued partnership in serving New Yorkers in need.
Office of Community Outreach
NYC Department of Social Services
NYC Department of Social Services | 4 World Trade Center | New York, NY 10007 US
