Being a low-income individual in the bustling city of New York can be draining. So, any opportunity to save becomes a lifeline. For example, you have Medicaid for health, SNAP for food, and of course the crux of this post, Fair Fares for transportation.
New Yorkers across all five boroughs can now save money on transportation with a Fair Fares NYC MetroCard. It offers a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. You access the reduced-fare MetroCard through different options including pay-per-ride, weekly unlimited, or monthly unlimited ride options.
Let’s dive in to see how you can get this relief for yourself.
How to Get a Reduced Fare MetroCard
If you’re eligible, you can save a lot of money when you used the reduced fare MetroCard for low income New Yorkers. Lets’ discuss how you can get it.
Are You Eligible?
You’re eligible for the Fair Fares NYC MetroCard if you meet the following requirements:
- You’re between ages 18 and 64
- You’re a New York City resident
- Your annual income is at or below 120% of the Federal Poverty Level
- You must not be a benefactor or eligible for a discounted MetroCard through any other NYC program
If this is confusing, don’t worry. You can also complete the survey to check your eligibility. It takes less than a minute to complete.
Submit Your Application
After completing the eligibility survey, you’ll find a link that redirects you to where you apply. You’ll be prompted to create an account (or log in if you already have one). To create an account, you need to input your email address, password, and a security question.
To start the application process, you’ll be asked if you’ve ever applied for HRA programs including SNAP and cash assistance programs in the last year. If you have, they use your information on file to speed up the application process.
There are two steps in the application process. First, you’ll complete an online application where you’ll have to provide information about your household and income. If you’re having trouble applying, call 311.
For the second step, you’ll need to submit the documents listed above to confirm your eligibility. Some of the documents you will need include:
- Document to verify your identity and age such as a government-issued ID card, driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or a US military ID
- Document to verify your residency such as credit card bill, cable, phone, or utility bill
- Document to verify your taxable household income like all the pages of IRS Form 1040 from the last year.
You’ll have to submit these documents via the ACCESS HRA mobile app. You can also visit Fair Fares NYC locations to apply in person.
After You Apply
Your application is only complete when you submit all required documents. Usually, you’re given a 10-day period to submit all your documents. The review process for your application begins after 10 days or when you affirm on the Access HRA portal that you’ve submitted all your documents, whichever comes first.
Your application review can take up to 30 days. If your application is approved, you’ll get a notification via mail.
You can expect your Fair Fares NYC Metrocard via mail two to three weeks after it’s approved. If you don’t get it after three weeks, call 311 or report it to ACCESS HRA.
Renewal Process
Every year, you have to renew your enrollment in the Fair Fares program. You’ll get a notification via mail and reminders on your ACCESS HRA Fair Fares account when it’s time. The reminder and notification also tell you the deadline for renewal.
To renew your Fair Fares enrollment, submit your renewal application via your ACCESS HRA Fair Fares NYC account. Your application will be renewed if you’re found eligible. You can also update your account information if you need to.
When your renewal is approved, you’ll get a new Fair Fares MetroCard before your current card expires.
Other NYC Transportation Discounts
New York City also offers other transportation discounts to make commuting affordable for its residents. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Reduced-Fare MetroCards
Older people aged 65 and above, as well as those with qualifying disabilities, can get NYC Reduced-Fare MetroCards. If you’re approved for one and have a disability, you pay only half the regular price when riding MTA buses or subways. You can use these cards on all MTA subways and local buses anytime, day or night. On express buses, you get the discount only outside rush hours.
Access-A-Ride
Access-A-Ride (AAR) is a New York City paratransit program designed to help people with disabilities who can’t use public buses and subways. AAR fares match regular public transit prices. However, if you’re part of Fair Fares NYC, you can get 50% off your AAR paratransit trips.
Project CART
Community Arranged Resident Transportation Program (Project CART) is a van service tailored for seniors aged 60 and over living in Manhattan’s Community Boards 1-8. It’s entirely free, and the vans transport seniors to different places, from medical appointments and hospitals to senior centers, places of worship, shopping centers, cultural events, museums, and theaters.
FAQs about Reduced Fare Metrocards
If you’re stuck or need help with your Fair Fares NYC application process, here’s where you can get help.
How do I contact Metro Discount Support?
Call 311 or (718) 557-1399. You can also visit any of the Fair Fares NYC offices to see someone. They are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. You can also send an email to the DSS/Human Resources Administration. 3
What can I do to make the application process easier?
Applying for a Fair Fares NYC Metrocard is straightforward if you have the necessary information. But you can follow these tips for a smoother application:
- Get your tax returns for last year ready
- Prepare all the necessary documentation beforehand
- Don’t hesitate to call for assistance when you need it
- Fill out application forms carefully to avoid inconsistencies with your submitted documents.
What do I do if my application is denied?
There’s a chance that your application will be denied, especially if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. You’ll get a notice stating why your application was denied. If you don’t, you can check here to see why your application was denied.
If you believe there was a mistake, visit a Fair Fares NYC office or call 311 to complain.
Is there any other way to save money on fares?
Here are some ways to maximize your Fair Fares NYC Metrocard discount:
- Consider walking or biking for short distances
- Choose the most direct and cost-effective routes to minimize travel expenses
- Consolidate your errands into one trip to minimize the number of times you pay transport fares
Relief Recap
The Fair Fares NYC program has been a helpful way to help low-income New Yorkers afford transportation. With the Fair Fares NYC MetroCard, you pay only half the fee for public bus and subway rides. Savings from the discounted MetroCard add up over time. So, check your eligibility and apply for the Fair Fares MetroCard today.
Low Income Relief Team
This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.