Expansion to Fair Fares program not included in preliminary budget
We're 50 days into Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration, and one major question this week is whether he will expand the city's Fair Fares program.
It's been 50 days into Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration, and one major question this week is whether he will expand the city's Fair Fares program.
The program provides half-priced transit fare for low-income New Yorkers, but an expansion was not included in the mayor's preliminary budget. Speaking in Manhattan on Thursday, Mamdani emphasized affordability but wasn't clear on whether he will expand the program.
"I continue to believe deeply in the importance of making public transit more affordable and fair fares is a critical tool in that, and I appreciate the organizers and advocates who've always ensured that it's top of mind, because we have to make this a city where working people can get around," he said.
Advocates with Riders Alliance say expanding the program could dramatically increase access to affordable transit.
Senior organizer Danna Dennis said broadening eligibility could help millions of riders.
"Expanding this program would allow up to 2 million New Yorkers to access affordable fares," Dennis said. "This is really something that the mayor should be jumping on."
Under the current program, New Yorkers who are making at or below 150% of the federal poverty line can get half-priced transit fares. The proposed expansion would give those riders free fares and expand the discounted fares to people making between 150% and 300% of the federal poverty line.
The city's final budget is due June 30.
