The following statement can be attributed to Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC):
“Fair Fares is about to become more fair for more people, thanks to Council Speaker Menin and Mayor Mamdani. No one should have to choose between a meal or a fare, and today they took a crucial step to opening our city’s subways and buses to the people who need it most.
“Increasing eligibility to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level would have been a difficult hurdle to clear in any year, but was made significantly more challenging by the budget shortcomings left by the previous Mayoral Administration. The budget agreement will unlock the incredible opportunities the MTA system can provide to approximately 340,000 residents to save up to $910 per year on their transit expenses.
“Over the past year, New York City riders have asked their elected officials to prioritize more affordable transit, demanding equitable access to jobs, education, and much more. Today’s announcement of an expansion of the Fair Fares program to 200% delivers on that promise for riders.”