Fair Fares NYC Income Eligibility Increase

January 7, 2025

Effective, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Fair Fares NYC income eligibility has increased.

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.

Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online: Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA! View the “How to Enroll” videos in English and Spanish.

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.