Advocates Push for Massive Fair Fares Expansion in NYC

Proposal would offer free transit for those making up to 150% of federal poverty level

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:31pm

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A coalition of transit and economic justice organizations is calling on New York City Mayor Mamdani to significantly expand the Fair Fares program, which currently offers half-priced fares to individuals making $23,475 or families of four making $48,225. The advocates want to raise the eligibility threshold to 150% of the federal poverty level, providing free transit for over 1 million New Yorkers, and offer half-priced fares to those making up to 300% of the poverty level.

Why it matters

The Fair Fares expansion is seen as a key affordability initiative that could provide immediate relief to low-income New Yorkers struggling with the high cost of living, while also potentially boosting economic activity as people are able to access jobs, healthcare, and other services more easily.

The details

The proposed Fair Fares expansion would double the number of New Yorkers eligible for transit discounts, from slightly over 1 million for free fares to another 1 million for half-priced fares. Advocates argue the program would be cheaper than the mayor's proposal for free buses citywide, costing an estimated $421 million at most. Automatic enrollment is also a key part of the plan to increase usage, which is currently only about one-third of eligible New Yorkers.

  • The rally at City Hall took place on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Fair Fares expansion proposal is being considered as part of the city's budget process for the upcoming fiscal year.

The players

Danna Dennis

Senior Organizer at the Riders Alliance.

Brian Fritsch

Associate Director at the PCAC (Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA).

Danny Pearlstein

Director of Policy and Communications at the Riders Alliance.

Gale Brewer

New York City Council Member representing the Upper West Side.

Mayor Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City.

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What they’re saying

“We want to expand the program. We are looking to make sure that New Yorkers who are at minimum wage, New Yorkers who have a nine-to-five, folks who are working full-time, part-time are qualified. Currently, that just isn't the case. We've been on a slow track to improving the program, but we think this is our time. It needs to happen.”

— Danna Dennis, Senior Organizer, Riders Alliance (streetsblog.org)

“People will still need to take the subway, it's where two-thirds of Fair Fares rides are taken right now. If you're going to deliver affordability for the people who need it most you need to do both, to get around the city you need a more comprehensive approach.”

— Brian Fritsch, Associate Director, PCAC (streetsblog.org)

“People with low incomes tend to spend the money that they save, and that money moves through the economy. More trips overall means more economic activity, because people are going out into the world, doing work, going to school, getting their health taken care of, and generally, doing things that make the city's economy stronger. So it's an investment in New Yorkers, and it's investment in New York.”

— Danny Pearlstein, Director of Policy and Communications, Riders Alliance (streetsblog.org)

“The mayor has talked about free buses, but it wouldn't be this year. So this might be an interim step.”

— Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member (streetsblog.org)

What’s next

The New York City Council will be a key partner in the budget negotiations, and some Council members are committed to pushing for the Fair Fares expansion as an interim step while the mayor continues to advocate for free buses citywide.

The takeaway

The proposed Fair Fares expansion represents a significant opportunity to provide immediate relief to low-income New Yorkers struggling with the high cost of living, while also potentially boosting economic activity by making it easier for people to access jobs, healthcare, and other essential services. However, the city's current budget challenges will be a major hurdle to overcome in order to implement this ambitious program.