NYC Council Proposes Expanding Discount Transit Program

City Council wants to make subways and buses free for low-income riders through Fair Fares Program

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:39am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a subway station platform with a single passenger waiting on a bench, the scene bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying the solitary experience of public transit in a large city.The proposed expansion of New York City's discount transit program aims to make subways and buses more accessible and affordable for low-income residents.NYC Today

The New York City Council is looking to revamp the city's Fair Fares Program, which currently discounts the cost of subways and buses by 50% for low-income riders. The Council's budget proposal includes making transit free for people making 150% under the federal poverty line, about $24,000 per year for a single person. The grassroots organization Riders Alliance wants to expand the program even further by offering a 50% discount to people earning 300% under the federal poverty level, or those making under $47,000.

Why it matters

The proposed expansion of the Fair Fares Program aims to make public transit more accessible and affordable for New York City's lowest-income residents, addressing concerns that the current high cost of fares is a barrier to mobility and economic opportunity.

The details

The City Council's budget proposal would make subways and buses free for people making 150% under the federal poverty line, which is about $24,000 per year for a single person. This is different from Mayor Zohran Mamdani's campaign promise to eliminate fares for all city buses. The grassroots organization Riders Alliance wants to go even further by offering a 50% discount to people earning 300% under the federal poverty level, or those making under $47,000.

  • The City Council's budget proposal includes the Fair Fares Program expansion.
  • There will be a series of hearings on the city budget in May and June, where the public can weigh in on the proposed expansion.

The players

New York City Council

The legislative body of New York City that is proposing to expand the Fair Fares Program to make transit free for low-income residents.

Riders Alliance

A grassroots organization that advocates for affordable and accessible public transit in New York City, and is pushing for the Fair Fares Program to be expanded even further.

Caitlin Pearce

The Deputy Director of the Riders Alliance, who stated that one in five riders currently struggle to afford the fare.

Selvena Brooks-Powers

A New York City Council Member who said the proposed expansion of the Fair Fares Program is in the early stages and that the final plan will depend on budget negotiations.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who has campaigned on eliminating fares for all city buses.

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What they’re saying

“One in five riders say that they struggle to afford the fare right now.”

— Caitlin Pearce, Deputy Director, Riders Alliance

“I'm hopeful ... that we will be able to expand the program in some way. What that looks like, it's going to really depend on the negotiations.”

— Selvena Brooks-Powers, New York City Council Member

“Right now, the Mayor is primarily focused on addressing the fiscal deficit. That said, the Mamdani Administration is committed to working with our partners at the state and local level to make buses fast and free. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to make commutes faster and our transit system more affordable for all New Yorkers.”

— City Hall Spokesperson

What’s next

The City Council's budget proposal, including the expansion of the Fair Fares Program, will be discussed in a series of public hearings in May and June. The final plan will depend on the outcome of budget negotiations.

The takeaway

The proposed expansion of the Fair Fares Program represents an effort by the New York City Council to make public transit more accessible and affordable for the city's lowest-income residents, addressing concerns that the high cost of fares is a barrier to mobility and economic opportunity.