The Opportunity for NYC
New York City is at the crossroads of a significant step. As one of the world’s bustling metropolises, public transportation plays a massive role in this city’s life. For everybody, especially those in the working class and our outer-borough friends, affordable and reliable subway and bus services are crucial.
Fair Fares, a Benefit for All
Launched in 2019, the Fair Fares program is a beacon of hope. Over 325,000 New Yorkers already use it, helping them save money on their daily living costs by offering discounted fares. But with a looming deadline for the city’s final budget for the forthcoming fiscal year, there’s a call to expand the Fair Fares program to reach even more New Yorkers.
Presently, Fair Fares caters to residents earning up to 120% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Unfortunately, this means that individuals making $18,072 annually or four-member families earning $37,400 a year are the only ones qualifying. A significant chunk of New York’s working class, who already face financial strains, may not be able to benefit from this essential program due to these limits.
The Need for Expansion
The expansion of Fair Fares to those living at 200% of the FPL is at the forefront of current city budget discussions. The broader eligibility scale would bring relief to 650,000 new individuals, including numerous residents in Queens and the Bronx.
The Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) recently published a report exploring these changes’ potential impact. They found that neighborhoods such as Brooklyn’s Brownsville and Sunset Park, Queens’ Elmhurst, Flushing, and Jackson Heights, and the Bronx’s Highbridge and Morrisania would benefit the most from the expansion.
Even places like Southeast Queens, famously known as subway deserts, could benefit immensely if Fair Fares were extended to LIRR and Metro-North. Truly, no corner of the city would be left untouched; the program could increase the eligible population by at least 10% in every City Council district according to the PCAC report.
Reinforcing Support
The City Council is championing the cause, with Speaker Adrienne Adams leading the way. The Preliminary Budget Response urges expanded eligibility to 200% of the FPL and an additional $54.2 million in baseline funding for Fair Fares.
Now, the ball is in Mayor Adam’s court to include this critical investment in the final city budget. It’s an essential step in supporting New Yorkers who work hard and deserve our assistance.
Ensuring Access to All
Increasing awareness of Fair Fares is of prime importance, too. Only one-third of eligible riders have signed up for the program to date. Efforts to boost awareness are underway, with MTA and city agencies hosting information sessions and ad campaigns. Last year, a law even mandated the Department of Social Services to inform ticketed fare evaders about discounted fare programs.
Yet, the participation rate remains disheartening. An increased commitment is necessary to improve access to Fair Fares. Focusing on this goal is imperative for all of us.
Urgency for Action
Our city’s lifeblood is public transit. Fair, accessible, and affordable transportation is the route to greater economic mobility and opportunities. By extending Fair Fares, we can make meaningful headway towards transportation equality and tackling our escalating living costs.
Leaving out this expansion in the city budget is more than just a missed opportunity; it signifies another year of hardship for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. It’s high time we did right by our working-class and outer-borough residents. Let’s make the journey of fairness a reality for all.