NYC raises Fair Fares income cap, putting 340,000 more residents in line for half-price rides
The new city budget lifts the income limit for discounted subway, bus and Access-A-Ride trips, and a Council bill would let SNAP and cash assistance recipients sign up by checking a box at renewal.
A bigger slice of the city’s low-income population will soon be able to ride the subway, buses and paratransit at half price. The fiscal 2027 city budget lifts the Fair Fares income cap, a change that adds over 340,000 residents to the pool of people who qualify. The City Council, meanwhile, approved a bill on Thursday meant to make signing up easier.
Today the cutoff sits at 150% of the federal poverty level. The budget pushes it to 200%. When the higher limit kicks in, the total eligible population will reach roughly 1.3 million city residents.
Who qualifies for Fair Fares under the new income limit
The program is open to city residents ages 18 to 64 with household income at or below the new 200% threshold. In dollar terms, the ceiling works out to $31,920 in yearly earnings for someone who lives alone. For a household of four, the example ceiling is $66,000.
Once enrolled, riders get a 50% discount on Access-A-Ride trips, on subway rides and on eligible bus routes.
Fair Fares sign-up through SNAP and cash assistance
Intro 248-A targets the application process. Residents who get SNAP food benefits or cash assistance would be able to join Fair Fares at the same time they renew those benefits, simply by checking a box instead of filling out a separate form. Council Member Crystal Hudson, who sponsored the bill, said the goal is to cut unnecessary paperwork for people already enrolled in city benefits.
Speaker Julie Menin said Fair Fares is “an indispensable program” but is underused, pointing to low awareness and a complicated application.
The Department of Social Services would take on several new duties under the bill. It would need to tell eligible residents about the easier enrollment route and try to obtain data from state agencies to find others who may qualify. The department would also report to the Council each year on how many people are enrolled and how they use the program. Finally, it would study whether the city could automatically enroll residents in Fair Fares and other city-run benefit programs.
Quick answers
Who qualifies for Fair Fares after the expansion?
City residents ages 18 to 64 whose household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. As examples, the limit is $31,920 a year for someone living alone and $66,000 for a household of four.
How much does Fair Fares save?
Enrollees get 50% off Access-A-Ride trips, subway rides and eligible bus routes.
Is there an easier way to sign up?
Under Intro 248-A, people receiving SNAP or cash assistance could opt in to Fair Fares by checking a box when they renew those benefits, without a separate application.
