For many New Yorkers, the daily commute is a significant expense. But the city's Fair Fares program offers a lifeline: a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. With over 381,000 active participants, this initiative is helping low-income residents across the five boroughs cut their transit costs in half.
Who qualifies for the discount?
To be eligible, you must live in one of the five boroughs, be between 18 and 64 years old, and meet income guidelines based on the federal poverty level. Your household size and gross income are the key factors. Importantly, immigration status is not considered—the city explicitly does not ask about citizenship during the application process.
If you already receive other transit benefits, you may not be eligible for Fair Fares. But for those who qualify, the savings are substantial: a single ride drops from $2.90 to $1.45, and a monthly MetroCard can be halved as well.
How to apply
The application process is straightforward. You can apply online at nyc.gov/fairfares or through the ACCESS HRA portal. If you need help, you can call 311 for multilingual assistance or visit a program office in person. The city provides application guides in Spanish and other languages, making it accessible for our diverse communities.
Once you apply, you'll need to upload proof of identity, residency, and gross household income within 10 days. The review process takes up to 30 days, and if approved, your discount is valid for one year, as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
Maximizing your savings
Fair Fares covers not just the subway and local buses, but also the Staten Island Railway, the Roosevelt Island Tram, and Hudson Rail Link. If you use Access-A-Ride, you'll get the same discount automatically once your accounts are linked.
For those using OMNY, the contactless payment system, there's an extra perk: after 12 paid trips in a seven-day period, the rest of your rides that week are free. That means with the Fair Fares discount, you could pay as little as $1.45 per ride and then ride free after hitting the 12-trip threshold.
One thing to note: the city does not deposit funds onto your card. You'll need to add money yourself, but the 50% discount applies at the point of sale. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately through ACCESS HRA to protect your balance.
Looking ahead
City leaders are considering expanding the program. Public hearings are scheduled for October 19, 2026, to discuss raising the income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level, which would make more households eligible. This could be a game-changer for many families struggling with the high cost of living in New York.
For now, if you think you might qualify, it's worth applying. The savings can add up quickly, especially for those who commute daily. And with the city's commitment to keeping transit affordable, programs like Fair Fares are a vital resource for our communities.
For more on how to save on other essentials, check out California's CARE program or New York's home heating repair assistance. And if you're a SNAP recipient, a new bill could make enrolling in Fair Fares even easier—read more here.
