PCAC, Legislators Highlight Five Impactful Inexpensive Investments for Immediate Financial Relief for New Yorkers
New York: To highlight transit affordability initiatives for the state budget, today the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC), Senator Leroy Comrie and advocates rallied at the New York State Capitol in support of the Rider-First Fare Agenda a suite of five fare policies designed to increase equitable access to affordable transit.
The policies are particularly timely with the recent launch of congestion pricing and before the MTA’s planned fare changes later this year. With affordability being top of mind for so many New Yorkers, the actionable recommendations can deliver immediate financial relief to hundreds of thousands of transit riders who need better mobility options. The majority of the agenda was included in either the 2024 Senate or Assembly One-House budgets last year and Legislators are optimistic about getting them included in this year’s budget negotiations. To support the effort, PCAC, two dozen State Legislators, fifteen advocacy organizations and various other elected officials including U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, City Comptroller Brad Lander, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards sent a letter to Governor Hochul prior to the release of her Executive Budget requesting their inclusion.
“New York’s economy and daily life depend on a reliable, affordable transit system, yet too many families are struggling to keep up with rising costs,” said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “For riders in subway deserts like my district, access to affordable fares isn’t just about convenience, it’s about economic opportunity and quality of life. The Rider-First Fare Agenda is a critical step toward making our transit system more equitable. With Congestion Pricing and fare increases on the horizon, now is the time to ensure these policies are included in the state budget to support working families and transit-dependent communities.”
“Transit is the gateway to opportunity and financial stability for so many New Yorkers who are currently struggling,” said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, PCAC. “PCAC’s targeted proposals have modest price tags but will lead to major benefits for riders as they navigate the region for better job opportunities, education, healthcare, pleasure, and so much more. The time for action is now, and we strongly urge the New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul to champion these initiatives in the state budget.”
New York State Senator Pete Harckham said: “We need to expand the availability of Metro-North fare discounts to seniors, people with disabilities and young people. Equitable and affordable Metro-North fares will give many more people a chance to benefit from the large investments the MTA is making and is proposing to make in the transit system.”
“The Rider-First Fare Agenda is about putting New Yorkers first—making travel affordable, accessible, and fair, especially for those in transit deserts,” said New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “These changes aren’t just ideas; they’re real solutions for the riders who keep this city moving.”
“Public transit is a hallmark of New York City and must remain accessible and affordable for every New Yorker,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF – Manhattan). “With everyday expenses continuing to rise and biannual fare increases set to take effect, now is the time to pass the Rider-First Fare Agenda. This package of legislation will ensure seniors, people with disabilities and and Medicare-eligible riders can use the discounts they are entitled to during the morning peak period, expand access to the Fair Fares program for more New Yorkers and help make riding the LIRR and Metro-North more affordable for families. The Assembly championed these measures in last year’s one-house budget proposal, and now we must ensure they are included in our final enacted budget.”
“Now that congestion pricing is in full effect, we cannot waste time to improve our transit systems. With millions of New Yorkers relying on public transit, it is imperative that our state immediately invest in improving infrastructure, timeliness, and accessibility. And, with the rising cost of living and the growing number of people experiencing poverty, getting to work should not be a financial burden. Public transportation should be safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable. We need to take action now,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.
The five proposals support more equitable access to affordable transit for more New Yorkers, particularly those in subway deserts:
Introduce A.M. peak discounts for senior, disabled, and Medicare-eligible riders: Seniors, disabled, and Medicare-eligible riders cannot use their discounts in the A.M. peak period on the LIRR and Metro-North, anywhere in the system. This makes no sense – particularly given that they can use the discount in the P.M. peak period. This creates unnecessary hurdles for transit-dependent groups and obstacles to employment and opportunity.
Suggested Funding Source: MTA | Cost: $5-$10 million
Close the ‘mid-kid’ gap by creating a Family Fare for the LIRR and Metro-North: While children between the ages of five and 11 can ride the LIRR and Metro-North for one dollar with a paying adult, no discount at all is offered for twelve- to seventeen-year-olds, making transit an expensive alternative to driving for families with older children. Offering reduced fares for ‘mid-kids’ traveling with an adult would make taking the train a more affordable option for families.
Suggested Funding Source: New York State | Cost: Dependent on exact discount
Create a weekly CityTicket with transfers to New York City Transit: The CityTicket is a single-ride railroad ticket offered on LIRR and Metro-North Railroad trips within New York City. According to the MTA, 1.5 million CityTickets were sold in 2023. PCAC recommends investing Outer Borough Transportation Account (OBTA) funds to introduce a weekly CityTicket that includes transfers to New York City Transit subways and buses.
Suggested Funding Source: Outer Borough Transportation Account |Cost for CityTicket Weekly: $25 million; with free transfers to NYCT: $40-50 million
Expand Fair Fares to the commuter railroads within New York City: Fair Fares is an income-based half fare program for New York City residents at or below 145% of the Federal Poverty Level, but only on New York City Transit. Many eligible riders live in subway deserts but close to either the LIRR or Metro-North stations. PCAC analysis found that 70% of the city’s 39 railroad stations are adjacent to census tracts where over 25% of residents are eligible for Fair Fares. New York City is one of two large cities not to offer income-based fares on its commuter rails, despite having the highest poverty rate of cities surveyed. Fair Fares on the railroads, when discounted from the price of a CityTicket, would increase access to opportunity for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.
Suggested Funding Source: New York City | Cost: $30-$35 million
Expand Fair Fares to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level: New York City’s Fair Fares program provides half-fares to New York City residents living at or below 145% of the Federal Poverty Level. Most minimum wage workers currently do not qualify. PCAC analysis found that among the top ten U.S. most populous cities with similar programs, New York City has the highest poverty rate and lowest eligibility threshold. Expansion to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level would bring eligibility to as many as 450,000 more New Yorkers. The vast majority of minimum wage workers are ineligible at the current eligibility threshold of 145% of FPL.
Suggested Funding Source: New York City | Cost: $36-$40 million (source: Community Service Society)
About PCAC: Created by the New York State Legislature in 1981, the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) represents transit and commuter rail riders in the 12-county MTA region. PCAC regularly researches issues, recommends viable solutions, and advocates on behalf of the region’s subway, bus and Staten Island Railway riders, and Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad commuters through its three rider councils – the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council (LIRRCC), the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC), and the New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC). These councils and their non-voting MTA Board members were created to serve as a voice for users of the MTA system in the development and implementation of policy, and to hold the MTA Board and management accountable to riders.
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