To be eligible, you need to be between 18 and 64 years old. If your child is under 18, don’t worry—students get a discounted MetroCard through their schools. And for those over 64, you can get the MTA senior discount metro card program. For more information on discounts for seniors go to https://www.mta.info/fares/reduced-fare.
In addition, your income needs to be at or below 145% of the federal poverty line, which you can check in the table below. Your immigration status will not affect your eligibility for Fair Fares.
Keep in mind that SSI payments, unemployment benefits, pensions, and retirement count as income, but SNAP payments does not. Take note that only the head of the household can receive the Fair Fares discount, but if other adult family members need help with transportation costs, they can apply on their own as well.
| Household Size | Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,692.50 |
| 2 | $30,667.50 |
| 3 | $38,642.50 |
| 4 | $46,617.50 |
| 5 | $54,592.50 |
| 6 | $62,560.50 |
| 7 | $70,542.50 |
| 8 | $78,517.50 |
How to Apply
When you’re ready to apply, simply download the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit any required documents. If everything checks out, you’ll receive your MetroCard in the mail within 2-3 weeks. Before that you will not need to do an interview. If you cannot apply online, just call 311 or DSS at 718-557-1399.
A fast-track enrollment is available to the head of the household that is receiving SNAP or cash assistance. During the application process, the income verification part will be omitted.
Para-Transit Rides
Also, please note that you can’t combine a paratransit discount with a bus/subway discount at the same time. All para-transit rides get the same 50% discount. If you’re already a Fair Fares NYC customer and are enrolled in Access-A-Ride, you can activate this discount by logging into nyc.gov/accessfairfares and updating your account.
For more information on the Access-A-Ride program go to www.mta.info/accessibility/access-a-ride.
More Information
Discount cards are active for a year, so don’t forget to renew it after that. If you need to replace a MTA damaged or lost card, feel free to visit any Fair Fares NYC location. You can find an office at www.nyc.gov/site/fairfares/contact-us.And if you need help with more information, just call 311 or DSS on 718-557-1399.
For more details on eligibility, check out www.nyc.gov/site/fairfares
Updated on January 31, 2025