Fair Fares Transit Discount Increases Eligibility Standards for First Time in Program History

BoroPark24 Staff
The NYC Department of Social Services- Human Resources Administration (DSS-HRA) announced significantly expanded access to the Fair Fares transit discount after implementing a rule change that increases the program’s income eligibility standard to 120% of the federal poverty level – the first such increase in the program’s history.
Previously, the Fair Fares discount was available only to New Yorkers ages 18 - 64 whose income was at or below the federal poverty level. As a result of this modification to eligibility standards, more New Yorkers will be able to enroll in the program without facing an undue economic burden as a result of transit expenses.
New Fair Fares income limits per household size:
For households with more than 8 persons, add $6,168 for each additional person.
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.
Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online here.
For in-person assistance, Boro Parkers can visit the Boro Park Jewish Community Council at 1310 46th Street or call 718-972.-6600 for an appointment.
Many Cash Assistance and SNAP recipients can ride for half price. Each non-elderly adult should log into Access HRA or create an account if they are not the head of their case and click “Enroll Now”.