Low-income New Yorkers between the ages of 18 and 64, regardless of immigration status, will now have easier access to half-priced public transit as the city transitions its Fair Fares program to OMNY.
Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park on Wednesday said the switch follows a successful pilot program and aims to simplify fare payments while helping participants save more with automatic fare capping, ensuring that no Fair Fares user pays more than $17 per week for subway and eligible bus rides.
“New York City’s public transit system is the lifeblood of our city, serving New Yorkers all across the five boroughs. By bringing our world-class Fair Fares program onto the MTA’s digital OMNY system, we are making it even easier for working-class New Yorkers to access discounted rides on our trains and on our busses,” said Adams. “These discounts not only make our transit system more affordable and more accessible but are helping put money back into more New Yorkers’ pockets as we continue to make New York City the best place to raise a family.”
DSS Commissioner Wasow Park said the move created transit equity.
During the first phase of the transition, all new Fair Fares enrollees will receive a Fair Fares OMNY card instead of a MetroCard. The card can be used immediately after funds are loaded at OMNY vending machines, select retail locations, online or via phone.
Existing participants can request an OMNY card through Access HRA or will receive one automatically upon renewal or replacement. Active Fair Fares MetroCards will remain usable until they expire.
The second phase will further enhance convenience by allowing participants to apply their Fair Fares discount to preexisting OMNY cards, bank cards or mobile devices.
