Expanding MTA Discounts for More New Yorkers

By Y.M. Lowy

Eligibility for the city’s half-priced subway discounts could soon include more New Yorkers. Elected officials are pushing for the threshold to include people earning up to $31,300 a year.

Right now, the city’s Fair Fares program offers discounted subway and bus rides to those who make 145% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that’s about $22,700.

Advocates want to expand the program to cover people making up to 200% of the federal poverty level. This would mean a single person earning up to $31,300, a two-person household making $42,300, or a family of three making $53,300 could qualify.

This change could help an additional 415,000 New Yorkers, many of whom work in low-paying jobs, gain access to the discount. City leaders, including Speaker Adrienne Adams and Borough President Antonio Reynoso, are in favor of the idea.

The Department of Social Services has said it will first review the current program before considering further changes.