NYC Council Proposes $50 Million for Half-Priced Metrocards for Low-Income New Yorkers

Roughly 800,000 low-income New Yorkers have enough to get to their jobs, schools, interviews, or simply getting around.
For years, activists have called for reducing the MTA fares for the most economically disadvantaged of New Yorkers but the State hasn’t budged in a program that would cost $200 million to do so. 

But a proposed $50 million pilot program put into the budget by the New York City Council can potentially pave the way the State to take on the responsibility of helping this segment of the population. 

Under the pilot program, over 72,000 CUNY students who’s income falls below the poverty line would benefit from the program. 

Too many at risk New Yorkers have to choose between missing meals so that they can get to work and provide for their families. 

The discount fare program would cost $212 million annually, according to Riders Alliance and the Community Service Society annually, and save someone who buys monthly MetroCards about $700 a year.

“I often skip meals so I have enough cash in hand to make sure I get back,” said Riders Alliance member Monica Martinez. “My family and all low-income families in New York really need this half-priced MetroCard.”

The Fair Fares campaign has picked up support from more than two-thirds of the City Council. While Mayor de Blasio has expressed support for the concept, he has declined to fund it, arguing that the MTA is the state’s responsibility.

This is a no brainer and something that needs to pass and then eventually pressure the state to take over and lessen the burden on low-income New Yorkers since the 1% get all the tax breaks.