City Council leaders, transit advocates rally for Fair Fares ahead of hearing
NEW YORK (WABC) -- City Council leaders and transit advocates rallied at City Hall on Wednesday ahead of the first-ever City Council hearing on Fair Fares, calling for free and expanded discounted transit for low-income New Yorkers.
The rally with grassroots members of the "Riders for Affordable Transit" coalition came as the council has endorsed automatic, free subway, bus and paratransit fares for New Yorkers living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level in its response to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's preliminary budget.
Advocates and lawmakers are also pushing to expand the current half-fare discount to residents earning up to 300% of the poverty level, a move they say could help as many as 2 million riders.
"Affordable and accessible public transit is essential to ensuring New Yorkers can get to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential services," Council Speaker Julie Menin said. "The Council is working to expand funding for Fair Fares as part of budget negotiations and to establish automatic enrollment to ensure that all New Yorkers can access one of the city's greatest assets, our public transit system."
Majority Leader Shaun Abreu said riders should not be forced to choose between basic necessities and transportation. "Nobody who uses public transit should have to decide between paying for groceries or loading their OMNY card," he said. "That's why we're supporting automatic enrollment in the Fair Fares program and expanded funding so that anyone who qualifies gets access."
Fair Fares, launched in 2019, currently provides half-price subway and bus rides to some low-income New Yorkers. Council Member Crystal Hudson, chair of the General Welfare Committee, said only about a quarter of eligible residents are enrolled. "The fastest way to get more New Yorkers enrolled in Fair Fares is to enroll them automatically," Hudson said, noting that income and residency documents already used for other benefits could be applied to transit assistance.
Economists with the Community Service Society estimate that one in five New Yorkers cannot afford subway or bus fare, including more than a third of low-income working mothers. Bus riders, on average, earn more than 20% less than subway riders.
Advocates said expanding Fair Fares would make transit more affordable for millions and reduce financial strain for workers who rely on buses and subways to reach jobs, school and medical care.
The City Council hearing on Fair Fares is expected to focus on expanding eligibility, funding the program and implementing automatic enrollment as part of ongoing budget negotiations.
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