A coalition of over 36 advocacy and nonprofit organizations has united in a push for the Mamdani administration to enhance the Fair Fares program, aiming to make public transportation more affordable for New York City’s most vulnerable populations. They propose expanded discounts on bus and subway rides, and advocate for free rides for the city’s poorest residents.
Leading this initiative are prominent groups such as the Community Service Society, the Permanent Citizen’s Advisory Committee to the MTA, and Riders Alliance. These organizations plan to deliver a letter to Mayor Mamdani, urging him to increase both the eligibility criteria and the scope of discounts offered by this vital city-funded program.
Among the many supporters of this movement are notable entities like the Transport Workers Union, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Reinvent Albany, Regional Plan Association, and 1199 SEIU. Their unified voice underscores the urgent need for action.
“At no point since the Great Depression has affordability been so vital to so many New York City residents,” the letter emphasizes. “We write today to urge you to expand the Fair Fares program in this year’s city budget.” This message resonates with many as the cost of living continues to rise and economic pressures mount.
Currently, the Fair Fares program provides a 50% discount on subway, bus, and paratransit rides for New Yorkers whose income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. This means individuals earning less than $23,475 annually, or families of four with incomes under $48,225, qualify for the discount.
The coalition is advocating for a significant change: they propose doubling the income threshold to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Under this expanded framework, individuals earning less than $46,950, or families of four with incomes under $96,450, would benefit from reduced fares. This adjustment would open the program to a broader segment of the city’s residents, offering much-needed relief.
For those 1.3 million New Yorkers who are currently eligible for the discount — those making less than 150% of the poverty line — the consortium is calling on City Hall to make their subway rides free.
In total, the PCAC estimates the expansion would cost the city between $275 million and $330 million.
“Fair Fares can immediately deliver affordability for the riders who need it the most,” PCAC’s associate director Brian Fritsch told the Daily News.
Mamdani made affordability in New York City — and specifically on transit — a cornerstone of his mayoral campaign, promising to make the MTA’s buses fare-free for all. As recently reported by The News, his administration is pushing to pilot free buses during the FIFA World Cup this summer.
But according to the PCAC, over 65% of Fair Fare use last year was on the subway.
The consortium is also asking the Mamdani administration to take steps to automatically enroll recipients of other city services who fall below the income threshold. Currently, only about 35% of eligible New Yorkers are enrolled in the program.
