铁Half-price subway and bus (Fair Fares)
Fair Fares gives lower-income New Yorkers half-price subway and bus rides. The income limit is 150% of the poverty line; the City has proposed raising it to 200% (about $32,000 for 1, $66,000 for 4), not yet in effect.
Important: this guide is general information, not legal, immigration or other professional advice. Rules may have changed; confirm with the agency before applying. Disclaimer
Who can apply
- NYC resident aged 18–64
- Income up to 150% of poverty: about $23,940 (1) or $49,500 (4) in 2026
- Not getting full carfare from HRA or another transit discount
How to apply, step by step
- Step 1Check the rules: NYC resident, 18–64, income under the limit, not getting full carfare from HRA or another transit discount.
- Step 2Apply online: go to nyc.gov/accessfairfares (it opens ACCESS HRA) and choose Chinese. If you have no account, create one with your name, email (or a username) and a password.
- Step 3Follow the screens and submit. Many people don't need any documents; the system tells you if you do.
- Step 4If documents are needed, send them within 10 days: take photos in the ACCESS HRA app. After 10 calendar days you must apply again.
- Step 5Common documents: photo ID (such as IDNYC, passport, green card); NYC address proof from the last 90 days (utility or phone bill, lease, bank statement); income proof (all pages of last year's tax return 1040, or pay stubs from the last 30 days).
- Step 6Choose how to use the discount: wait for the mailed Fair Fares OMNY card, or in ACCESS HRA choose "Change Discount Selection" to put it on your own OMNY card, credit/debit card or phone.
- Step 7Can't go online? Call 311 or Fair Fares at 718-557-1399 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm), say "Chinese, please", and ask for help applying.
After you apply
- Timing: review starts once documents are in (or the 10 days pass) and takes up to 30 days. You get a letter, and the result shows in ACCESS HRA.
- Check status any time in your ACCESS HRA Fair Fares account.
- Your card: the Fair Fares OMNY card arrives 2 to 3 weeks after approval and can't be picked up. If you use your own OMNY card, bank card or phone, you can use it right after approval.
- Approval lasts 1 year. Renew early; if you miss the deadline you must apply again.
- Denied? Ask for a review by phone or in person within 14 days of the notice date.
Tips
- A new card has $0 on it. Add money at OMNY machines in subway stations, at participating stores, or in your online OMNY account.
- Each tap costs half fare. After 12 paid rides in 7 days in a row, the rest of that week is free. Transfers are free and don't count.
- The discount works on one card or one phone, not both.
- Don't count child support as income.
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change often; confirm with the official website or agency staff before applying.