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Mayor Adams Announces Expansion of Fair Fares Program, Increases Eligibility and Funding

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with the City Council and Department of Social Services, announced a significant expansion of the Fair Fares program, increasing eligibility and funding to help low-income New Yorkers access discounted public transportation. The program provides a 50 percent discount on buses and trains for eligible residents, and the expansion will bring the total baseline funding of Fair Fares to $95 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2024.

The expansion of Fair Fares aims to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for working-class New Yorkers. Currently, more than 300,000 New Yorkers are enrolled in the program, and the new expansion will enable many additional low-income residents to qualify for the discounted fares. The increase in income eligibility from 100 to 120 percent of the federal poverty level will benefit tens of thousands of New Yorkers who struggle to afford transit costs.

The city is investing an additional $20 million into the program, bringing the total baseline funding to $95 million annually. This investment will enable DSS to connect newly eligible New Yorkers to Fair Fares and continue to provide discounted fares to existing clients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Fair Fares program provides a 50 percent discount on buses and trains for eligible low-income New Yorkers.
  • The program has expanded eligibility to 120 percent of the federal poverty level, benefiting tens of thousands of additional New Yorkers.
  • The city is investing $20 million in the program, bringing the total baseline funding to $95 million annually.
  • More than 300,000 New Yorkers are already enrolled in the program, and the expansion is expected to benefit many more.
  • The program expansion is a result of advocacy efforts by the City Council, the Mayor's office, and community-based organizations.

Statistics:

  • $20 million investment in the Fair Fares program, increasing total baseline funding to $95 million annually.
  • 120 percent of federal poverty level income limit for eligibility, up from 100 percent.
  • More than 300,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the program.
  • Tens of thousands of additional New Yorkers expected to qualify for the program after the expansion.
  • $2.90 average cost of a single subway ride.
  • Express buses, transfers, and other costs can add to the total cost of public transportation.

Sources:

  • NYC.gov, "Office of the Mayor News, Dec. 15, 2023 - Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, DSS Commissioner Park Announce $20 Million Investment, Expansion of Eligibility for Fair Fares Transit Discount Program"
  • New York State Assembly, Representative Jenifer Rajkumar, "A message from Representative Jenifer Rajkumar"
  • Riders Alliance, Danna Dennis, "Riders Alliance Statement on the Expansion of Fair Fares"
  • Community Service Society of New York, David R. Jones, "Community Service Society Statement on the Expansion of Fair Fares"
  • NYC.gov, "Office of the Mayor News, Original text, https://www.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/958-23/mayor-adams-speaker-adams-dss-commissioner-park-20-million-investment-eligibility"

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