New York City Will Offer Transit Discounts to 340,000 More Riders

Key Points:

• New York City Council announced the largest expansion of the Fair Fares program, offering half-price bus, subway, and paratransit rides to residents earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level, increasing eligibility to about 1.3 million people.
• The previous income limit was 150% of the federal poverty level, excluding many low-income workers, including those earning the city’s minimum wage of $17 an hour.
• The expansion is part of a budget agreement with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been hesitant to widen the program as he advocates for making buses entirely free.
• The program's annual cost is expected to rise from approximately $100 million to $175 million due to the expanded eligibility and increased enrollment.
• City Council Speaker Julie Menin emphasized the importance of affordable public transit, noting that a $3 fare remains too expensive for many working New Yorkers.