New York transit could be free for 760 people

New York could offer free transit to more than 760 seniors. According to Gothamist, such a study was conducted by an independent group of experts.

According to a report published by the city's Independent Budget Office (Independent Budget Office -IBO), New York could offer free transit passes to more than 760 low-income seniors and residents with disabilities. The program would cost the city $000 million a year.

The cost may seem high, but it's less than the $95 million the city budgeted for the program this fiscal year Fair fares. According to this program, the following are now entitled to a 50% discount on travel on the New York subway:

– city residents under the age of 65 with an income of less than 120% of the federal poverty line;

– disabled people and pensioners, regardless of their income.

Report results

The IBO report examines the costs of expanding the Fair Fares program and making subway, bus and Access-A-Ride rides free for seniors and the disabled. Those whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty line, which is $30 per year for one-person households.

“Because eligibility for the MTA's reduced-fare MetroCard program currently disqualifies an individual from Fair Fares, nearly all of these 762 New Yorkers will become new Fair Fares participants, and their travel will represent new city costs for Fair Fares ”, the report says.

On the subject: Who and how can apply for a reduced travel pass in New York with a 50% discount

The report's authors estimate that half of those eligible for hypothetical free trips would sign up for them. Enrollment rates are even lower for the city's Fair Fares program. While it is available to approximately 900 New Yorkers, only 000 are enrolled, according to data released by the city's Office of Human Resources.

Enthusiasm faded

Danny Perlstein, spokesman for the transit advocacy group Riders Alliance, said the idea would change lives and cost $67 million a year. “Growing up the Fair Fares program, with both greater eligibility and greater accessibility, will make it easier for low-income New Yorkers to make ends meet,” Pearlstein said in an email. “As Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams negotiate the next city budget, commuters are calling on our leaders to make increasing access to public transportation a priority.”

His enthusiasm was not shared by Council Member Chi Osse, who represents part of Brooklyn. He ordered the IBO report, but did not agree with its conclusions. “Due to the city's financial situation, we have decided to refrain from moving forward with this initiative,” Osse spokesman Elijah Fox said in a statement.

Transit advocates have repeatedly called for additional fare discounts for low-income New Yorkers as a response to the growing problem of fare evasion at the MTA.

MTA board member David Jones said the city has a responsibility to “absolutely” consider funding free rides in the future. “We have to consider budget constraints, but if the IBO is correct, then the costs, while significant, are quite small compared to [the city's] multibillion-dollar budget,” Jones said. “So, if not this year, then perhaps next year, in my opinion, this needs to be studied.”