Discount MetroCard Program Made Permanent In Budget, Mayor Says

NEW YORK, NY — A program that gives discounted MetroCards to low-income New Yorkers is sticking around for good, according to Mayor Eric Adams.

The mayor announced Monday that a new deal in the city's upcoming budget will guarantee annual funding for Fair Fares, which gives a half-price discount to those with incomes below the federal poverty line.

The agreement — made with City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams — will ensure at least $75 million is available for the program each year. Since it started in 2019, any Fair Fares funding relied on year-to-year negotiations in the City Council.

“Since its inception, Fair Fares has proven to be a transformative program for so many New Yorkers struggling to get by, and we are proud to announce this investment in its future to help even more people going forward," Adams said.

On top of the deal, Adams also said the city will add $15.5 million to Fair Fares' budget for the current year, bringing it to $68.5 million.

Previously, the highest yearly budget for the program stood at $48.9 million in 2021, according to the mayor's office.

Its increase in funding comes as more New Yorkers head back to the subway. Ridership last week surpassed 3 million for the first time since the omicron coronavirus variant hit the city, officials said. A day later, MTA subway ridership again passed that mark.

The Fair Fares program applies to anyone with income below the federal poverty level who are not eligible for other transit benefits or subsidies. It gives 50-percent discounts on subways, bus fares and Access-A-Ride.

More than 260,000 New Yorkers have enrolled in the program, Adams said.