Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) said:
“Any increase in funding and eligibility for Fair Fares eligibility is welcome news, and we’re glad to see them included in the City budget. We will continue advocating for expansion to 200% of the federal poverty level—a common-sense expansion that has been supported by the City Council, the MTA Blue Ribbon Panel on Payment Evasion, transit and anti-poverty advocates, and riders around the five boroughs. Fair Fares is a critical program that helps New Yorkers in need access reduced transit fares, but many low income riders can’t qualify because of the too-low eligibility criteria that is not reflective of the cost of living in New York City. We thank the City Council and Mayor Adams for coming to an agreement that will expand the program: it’s a drop in the bucket, but every drop helps fill the bucket.”