NYC Fair Fares Reduced-Fare Transit Program

Quick Facts

• Benefit: Fair Fares MetroCards cut subway and local bus fares in half and apply equivalent discounts to Access-A-Ride paratransit trips, giving low-income New Yorkers affordable mobility for work, school, health appointments, and caregiving responsibilities.
• Administration: The program is run by the NYC Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration (DSS/HRA) in collaboration with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). DSS verifies eligibility, while the MTA issues special Fair Fares MetroCards or loads discounts onto OMNY accounts.
• Scale: As of 2024, over 320,000 residents participate, with capacity for more. The City Council allocates funds annually, so demand planning is critical—apply early to secure benefits before peak travel seasons.
• Flexibility: Participants can purchase pay-per-ride credit, 7-day unlimited, or 30-day unlimited passes at half price, making it easy to tailor savings to commuting patterns. The discount applies whether you swipe a MetroCard or tap via OMNY (by linking your account).
• Holistic impact: Transit access often unlocks employment, education, and medical opportunities. HRA reports that households using Fair Fares save roughly $800 per year, which can cover groceries or offset rising rents.

Eligibility Pathways

Fair Fares is designed for working-age adults (18–64) with limited income who are not already eligible for the MTA’s senior/disabled reduced-fare program. There are several ways to qualify:

1. Income-based eligibility: You must live in NYC and have household income at or below 120% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2025, that equates to approximately $18,408 for a single individual, $24,852 for two, $31,296 for three, and $37,740 for four, with $6,444 added per additional member. You provide proof such as pay stubs, unemployment statements, or tax returns.
2. Public assistance participation: If you receive SNAP (Food Stamps) or Cash Assistance through HRA, you may be auto-enrolled or can apply using your case number. Many recipients see a Fair Fares option when they log into ACCESS HRA.
3. NYCHA residents: Public housing residents whose income falls under program guidelines can apply by uploading documentation from the Self-Service Portal showing rent and household composition.
4. Special initiatives: The City periodically partners with agencies to fast-track groups like CUNY students, youth aging out of foster care, asylum seekers, or participants in workforce programs (e.g., NYC 311 training). Check announcements to see if your organization issues referral codes.

Fair Fares is not available to seniors 65+ or individuals with qualifying disabilities who already receive the MTA Reduced-Fare MetroCard. Those programs provide similar or better discounts, and duplicative benefits are prohibited.

Application Process

1. Create or log in to ACCESS HRA: Visit https://access.nyc.gov/programs/fair-fares-nyc/ or open the ACCESS HRA mobile app. Use the same credentials you use for SNAP or Cash Assistance to streamline verification.
2. Submit the Fair Fares application: Complete the online form, which asks for personal information, household size, income sources, and housing status. Upload supporting documents (proof of identity, address, and income). Acceptable documents include driver’s license, lease, Con Edison bill, pay stubs, unemployment insurance letters, or benefits award letters.
3. Track your case: Within about 30 days, HRA posts a decision letter to your ACCESS HRA account and mails a physical notice. You can also call 311 and ask for “Fair Fares” or dial 212-NEW-YORK.
4. Receive your discount: Approved applicants receive instructions to pick up a Fair Fares MetroCard at one of the designated enrollment centers or to link the discount to OMNY. If you choose MetroCard, bring photo ID to the appointment. For OMNY, log into your OMNY account and enter the control number provided by HRA.
5. Choose a product: Once activated, you can load half-price value or passes at any MetroCard vending machine, subway station booth, or through the OMNY app. For example, a 30-day unlimited costs $66 instead of $132.

Maintaining Benefits

• Annual renewal: HRA requires participants to recertify each year. You receive notices via ACCESS HRA and mail about 30 days before your anniversary date. Submit updated income documents by the deadline to avoid interruption.
• Change reporting: Report changes in household size, income, or address within 30 days. If your income rises above 120% FPL, you may lose eligibility but can reapply if your situation changes later.
• Replacement cards: If your Fair Fares MetroCard is lost or stolen, log into ACCESS HRA to report it. You can receive two free replacements per year. After that, fees may apply.
• Travel flexibility: The discount works on NYC Transit subways and local buses, Staten Island Railway, and Access-A-Ride. Express buses, LIRR, and Metro-North are not included. When using OMNY, be sure to tap with the registered card or device to ensure the discount applies.

Maximizing Savings and Planning

• Match your pass to your commute: If you ride more than 12 times per week, the 30-day unlimited often yields the best savings. For sporadic travel, load pay-per-ride credit; each tap deducts $1.45 instead of $2.90.
• Coordinate with City programs: Workforce1 career centers, the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs, and community-based organizations help clients apply for Fair Fares during job searches or training programs. Join orientation sessions to learn about additional stipends or childcare supports.
• Budget for auto-refill: Use OMNY’s auto-refill feature to replenish value when your balance drops below $10. Because the discount is applied at purchase, auto-refill ensures you never pay full fare by mistake.
• Plan for travel disruptions: Sign up for MTA service alerts. Reduced fares mean you can afford alternate routes during outages. Keep a backup map of accessible stations if you rely on elevators.
• Stack with commuter benefits: If your employer offers pre-tax transit benefits, you can still use them with Fair Fares by loading funds onto your card. This double savings approach reduces taxable income while cutting fare costs in half.

Supportive Services

• Fair Fares Centers: Located in boroughs across the city (e.g., Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx). Appointments recommended, but walk-ins accepted. Staff can help with applications, renewals, and OMNY linking.
• Language access: Materials are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian Creole, Bengali, Korean, and Arabic. Request interpretation during appointments.
• Accessibility: Enrollment centers comply with ADA standards. If you cannot travel, call to request accommodations or a phone interview. Access-A-Ride users can apply during paratransit eligibility appointments.
• Appeals: Denied applicants can request a Fair Hearing through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) within 60 days. Prepare documentation showing income or program participation.

Example Use Cases

• Hospital worker in Queens: Works nights at Elmhurst Hospital earning $19/hour. Fair Fares reduces monthly transit spending from $132 to $66 for an unlimited pass, saving $792 annually. She uses savings to enroll in a nursing prerequisite course.
• Gig worker in Brooklyn: Delivery cyclist with irregular income qualifies via tax returns showing $24,000 annual earnings. Uses pay-per-ride credits, saving about $50 per month during busy seasons. Also attends a workforce program that provides additional microgrants for bike maintenance.
• Parent in shelter system: Automatically enrolled through a pilot with the Department of Homeless Services. Uses discounted OMNY taps to bring children to school and attend housing appointments. When placed in permanent housing, updates address and continues eligibility due to low wages from a part-time job.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Pending application delays: If more than 30 days pass without a decision, send a secure message through ACCESS HRA, call 311, or visit a Fair Fares Center with your submission receipt. Sometimes additional documentation (e.g., landlord statement) is needed.
• MetroCard not recognized: Ensure you activated the card at the enrollment center. If a machine charges full fare, ask the station agent to check the card profile or call the MTA’s Reduced-Fare support line.
• OMNY double charge: Occasionally, contactless readers may charge full fare if you tap with an unregistered device. Always tap with the linked card/phone. If you were overcharged, file a dispute through OMNY customer service with trip details.
• Income fluctuations: If your income temporarily exceeds the limit, you can pause the benefit by notifying HRA. When your income drops, re-submit documentation. Maintaining open communication prevents overpayment and ensures fast reinstatement.

Contact Information

• Fair Fares info line: Call 311 (ask for “Fair Fares”) or 212-NEW-YORK.
• ACCESS HRA support: 718-557-1399.
• Website: https://www.nyc.gov/site/fairfares/index.page
• Fair Hearing requests: Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 1930, Albany, NY 12201.

Reliable, affordable transit is a cornerstone of economic mobility in New York City. Fair Fares equips low-income residents with predictable transportation costs, making it easier to pursue jobs, education, health care, and family obligations across the five boroughs.