Getting around New York City shouldn’t cost seniors full price — and for most older adults, it doesn’t have to. The city and the MTA offer multiple programs that cut transit costs significantly, from a reduced-fare OMNY card that halves every subway and bus fare to a door-to-door paratransit service for those who can’t use public transit. Here’s everything you need to know to sign up.
Note: This is general information about transit programs, not legal or medical advice. Program details and eligibility requirements may change. Contact the MTA or relevant agency to confirm current terms.
Who This Helps
New York City residents age 65 and older, as well as people with qualifying disabilities who need help accessing affordable transit options. These programs can make a real difference for fixed-income seniors who rely on public transportation every day.
The MTA Reduced-Fare OMNY Card: Half Price on Every Ride
Any New Yorker age 65 or older qualifies for the MTA Reduced-Fare Program, which cuts transit costs in half across the entire system.
What you pay with a Reduced-Fare OMNY card:
- Subway and local buses: $1.45 per ride (half of the standard $2.90 base fare)
- Express buses: $3.50 (except weekday peak hours 6–10 a.m. and 3–7 p.m.)
- LIRR and Metro-North: Up to 50% off full one-way peak fares (except weekday peak toward NYC)
- Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, Hudson Rail Link: Reduced fare applies
- Weekly cap benefit: After 12 rides in a 7-day period, the rest of your rides that week are free
What changed: The MTA has transitioned from traditional MetroCards to the contactless OMNY system. Seniors are now issued Reduced-Fare OMNY cards — these work the same way as the old reduced-fare MetroCard but use tap-and-go technology. If you still have an old reduced-fare MetroCard, it may still work temporarily, but you should get an OMNY card as soon as possible.
How to Apply for the Reduced-Fare OMNY Card
You can apply in person or by mail. There is currently no online application.
In person (fastest — same-day card):
Seniors age 65 and older can apply in person and receive their Reduced-Fare OMNY card the same day. Bring one of the following as ID: driver’s license from any state, passport, IDNYC, birth certificate plus photo ID, Medicare card plus photo ID, or state-issued photo ID.
In-person locations include MTA Customer Service Centers at accessible subway stations and the MTA offices at 3 Stone Street, Lower Manhattan (open weekdays). Call 511, say “MTA,” then “Subway and Buses” to find your nearest service center, or visit mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus/reduced-fare.
By mail (takes up to 3 months):
Download the senior application from the MTA website. You’ll need a passport-style photo (2” x 1.5”) and a copy of a valid ID. Mail completed application and documents to:
MTA New York City Transit, Attn: Reduced Fare Program, 130 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201-9625
Questions about OMNY: Call 877-789-6669
General transit questions: Call 511
Fair Fares NYC: Another 50% Discount for Lower-Income Seniors
If your income is at or below 145% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for Fair Fares NYC — a separate city program that also provides 50% off subway and eligible bus fares. Fair Fares is open to NYC residents ages 16 to 84, so it’s available to seniors who haven’t yet reached 65 and to those between 65 and 84.
Income limits in 2026 are approximately $22,692 for an individual and up to $46,617 for a family of four (at 145% of the federal poverty level — verify current limits when you apply, as these adjust annually).
How to apply for Fair Fares:
Apply online at ACCESS HRA (the city’s online benefits portal) or in person at a Fair Fares office in your borough, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You’ll need a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and proof of income (such as bank statements or a prior year tax return). Processing takes up to 30 days; your Fair Fares OMNY card is mailed to you once approved.
For help applying: call 311 or email AccessHRAhelpdesk@hra.nyc.gov.
More information: access.nyc.gov/programs/fair-fares
Access-A-Ride: Door-to-Door Paratransit for Those Who Cannot Use Subways or Buses
If you have a disability that prevents you from using the public subway or bus system, the MTA’s Access-A-Ride paratransit service provides shared-ride door-to-door transportation throughout New York City.
Eligibility: You must have a disability that prevents you from independently navigating to a bus stop or subway station, boarding, riding, or exiting the public transit system. Eligibility is not automatic for seniors — it requires an in-person assessment.
How to apply:
- Call 877-337-2017 to start your inquiry with MTA Eligibility staff
- After completing the phone inquiry, you’ll be mailed an application form
- Schedule an in-person assessment (the MTA can provide a free paratransit ride to and from your appointment)
- A decision is made within 21 days of your assessment
Once approved, you typically only need to recertify every five years. If you’re denied, you have 60 days to appeal.
More information: mta.info/accessibility/access-a-ride
Also available through ACCESS NYC: access.nyc.gov/programs/access-a-ride
Fair Fares Access-A-Ride Discount
If you qualify for both Fair Fares and Access-A-Ride, you may be able to receive a 50% discount on Access-A-Ride fares as well. Apply through nyc.gov/site/fairfares/access-a-ride.
Additional Resources for Getting Around
IDNYC: If you’re 65 or older and don’t have a driver’s license or other qualifying ID, the free IDNYC card (available to all NYC residents regardless of immigration status) is accepted as valid ID for the reduced-fare OMNY card application. Apply at nyc.gov/idnyc or call 311.
NYC Aging (formerly DFTA): The Department for the Aging can connect seniors to transportation assistance, including escort programs for medical appointments. Call 212-244-6469 or visit nyc.gov/aging.
How to Take Action
- If you’re 65 or older, visit an MTA Customer Service Center in person to receive your Reduced-Fare OMNY card same day. Call 511 to find your nearest location, or visit mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus/reduced-fare.
- If you prefer mail, download the senior application from the MTA website and mail with photo and ID to: MTA Reduced Fare Program, 130 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201-9625 (allow up to 3 months).
- If you’re lower-income, apply for Fair Fares NYC via ACCESS HRA or call 311 for the nearest Fair Fares office.
- If a disability prevents you from using subways or buses, call 877-337-2017 to start the Access-A-Ride application process.
- For OMNY-specific questions, call 877-789-6669.
- For general transit help, call 511.
Every ride at half price adds up fast. If you or someone you care about is paying full fare and is 65 or older, getting a Reduced-Fare OMNY card should be the next thing on your list.
