Push to expand discounted transit fares to low income families
NEW YORK (PIX11) — A city program benefitting working-class families is considered a lifeline for 360,000 low-income New Yorkers who qualify for 50% discounts on subway and bus fares.
These are people living at 145% of the federal poverty level, which means a family of four making $46,000 or less a year is eligible for the program.
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At a City Hall rally, advocates called for the federal poverty level to be increased to 200%, which would give 415,000 more New Yorkers access to the Fair Fares program.City Council member Rita Joseph maintains, 'This is not just a matter of public transportation. It's a matter of justice. Making sure a mother can get to work without skipping a meal, a student can get to class without worrying, a senior on a fixed income can make it to a doctor's appointment.'Fair Fares has become an indispensable program for thousands of working-class New Yorkers since its launch six years ago, providing eligible riders with discounted subway and bus fares.Elevating the federal poverty guidelines in difficult economic times would uplift the lives of people struggling to make ends meet.Council member Selvena Brooks-Powers says, 'That's over 400,000 people who finally have a chance to move across the city affordably with dignity.'
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams claims New Yorkers are facing an affordability crisis that is pushing them to the brink, and that is why she's pushing to make more low-income families eligible for Fair Fare discounts. She explains, 'Being able to afford the fare means you can pursue opportunities and go to school and see friends and meet your everyday obligations. Yet too many New Yorkers are still struggling to access public transportation, which prevents them from moving in their own city.'
The arguments have been made, now the heat is on the mayor, the budget committee, and the city council to approve an additional 34 million dollars to the annual budget that will give additional low-income families discounted access to transportation in the city.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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