Key Takeaways
- Fair Fares Update (2025): Eligibility has expanded to 145% of the Federal Poverty Level, and the program has transitioned to OMNY cards. No more swiping!
- Central Hub: Both SNAP and Fair Fares are managed through the ACCESS HRA portal. Download the app immediately.
- Don’t Overpay: Fair Fares cuts your subway and bus costs by 50%. If you make under ~$22k as an individual, you qualify.
- Integration: You can link your Fair Fares discount to your Access-A-Ride account if eligible.
Fair Fares NYC is a city-funded transportation assistance program that provides a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares to New York City residents with low incomes. Unlike the standard Pay-Per-Ride fare, Fair Fares participants receive a specialized OMNY card that charges half-price for every tap.
New York City runs on two things: caffeine and bureaucracy. While we can’t help with the coffee, we can help you cut through the red tape of the Human Resources Administration (HRA). Whether you are a freelance artist in Bushwick, a student in the Bronx, or a new resident looking for work, understanding these benefits is critical to surviving the city’s high cost of living.
In 2025, the game changed. The eligibility limits for Fair Fares were raised, and the tech finally caught up with the rest of the system. Here is your boots-on-the-ground guide to getting approved without losing your mind.
As of 2024, more than 175,000 New York City residents are enrolled in the Fair Fares NYC program, saving eligible participants an estimated $1,300 or more annually in commuting costs — according to the NYC Human Resources Administration.
Understanding Fair Fares: The 50% Discount
If you are paying full price for the subway and earning near minimum wage, you are essentially paying a “confusion tax.” The Fair Fares program is not a handout; it’s a civic utility designed to keep the city moving.
The “OMNY” Shift
For years, Fair Fares users were stuck with the glitchy, magnetic-stripe MetroCards while everyone else moved to tap-to-pay. As of late 2025, this is no longer the case.
- The Old Way: You received a Fair Fares MetroCard and had to refill it at machines.
- The New Way (2025): You receive a Fair Fares OMNY card in the mail. You tap this card at the turnstile, and it deducts the discounted fare (approx. $1.50) from your loaded balance.
- Note: You currently cannot link the Fair Fares discount directly to your personal credit card or Apple Pay. You must use the OMNY card issued by the city.
2025 Income Eligibility
The city significantly expanded access this year. The income threshold is now 145% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Fair Fares through ACCESS HRA?
Download the ACCESS HRA app or visit the website, create an account with your ID, and select “Fair Fares” from the benefits menu. You’ll need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or HRA benefits statement) and proof of NYC residency. Most applications are processed within 5-10 business days.
What income limit qualifies me for Fair Fares in 2025?
As of 2025, you qualify if your household income is at or below 145% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single individual, this is approximately $22,000 annually. For a family of four, it’s roughly $45,000. The exact threshold updates annually on January 1st.
Can I use Fair Fares on the Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North?
No. Fair Fares only applies to NYC MTA subway lines (1-Z) and most MTA buses throughout the five boroughs. LIRR, Metro-North, Staten Island Ferry, and private bus services are not included in the program.
What happens if my Fair Fares OMNY card is lost or damaged?
Contact ACCESS HRA through the app or call 718-557-1399 to report the card lost or damaged. You can request a replacement card, which will be mailed to your address within 7-10 business days. Your remaining balance transfers to the new card.
How do I reload money onto my Fair Fares OMNY card?
You can add funds through the ACCESS HRA app, at any MTA vending machine, or by visiting an MTA customer service center in person. You can also set up automatic reloads when your balance drops below a certain amount.
Can I combine Fair Fares with my job’s transit benefits?
If your employer offers pretax transit benefits, you cannot use both simultaneously on the same card. However, you can maintain a Fair Fares OMNY card as a backup and use your employer’s OMNY card for work commutes, switching as needed.
