Eligibility for Fair Fares Program – See Rescheduled Hearing Notice – New Hearing Date

Online comments: 5

• Lisa Y. Rubin

  While I agree with this proposal, I am very angry about your continuous and unconstitutional decision to lock out older adults from Access A Ride’s Fair Fares program. Adults who are older than 64 are ineligible to apply, irrespective of their income. How do you justify this?

  Comment added September 25, 2024 6:19pm

• Michael Sutherland (Open Plans)

  Open Plans writes today in regard to the expansion of the Fair Fares program’s eligibility. We applaud the eligibility expansion outlined in the rule, and of all efforts to increase transit accessibility and ridership. The City can and should continue to build on these efforts. More detailed comments on these points and others are in the attached testimony.

  Comment attachment
  10-21-24-HRA-Hearing-Open-Plans-Testimony.pdf

  Comment added October 21, 2024 10:15am

• Anna Humphrey

  My name is Anna Humphrey, and I am the Transportation and Voting Community Organizer at the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY). CIDNY strongly supports the proposed rule expanding the Fair Fares NYC program, which will raise the income eligibility threshold from 120 percent to 145 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. This expansion is essential for New Yorkers with disabilities, particularly those relying on Access-A-Ride and other paratransit services, who already face significant financial barriers in their daily lives.

  Many people with disabilities live on fixed incomes, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are often insufficient to cover the high cost of living in New York City. Increasing the income eligibility to 145 percent of the FPL will help ensure that more people with disabilities, who may not have qualified under the previous threshold, can access affordable transportation.

  Transportation is a vital link to independence for individuals with disabilities. It enables access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and employment. For those relying on Access-A-Ride, the 50% discount offered through Fair Fares is particularly critical. It can reduce the financial strain associated with frequent medical appointments and other daily needs, improving both mobility and quality of life.

  In conclusion, CIDNY urges the city to adopt this proposed rule as it will significantly improve access to public transportation for low-income New Yorkers, especially those with disabilities. Ensuring that more individuals can participate in the Fair Fares program will contribute to a fairer, more equitable city for all.

  This testimony is supported by Sharon McLennon Wier, Ph.D., MSEd., CRC, LMHC, Executive Director for CIDNY. Thank you for your consideration.

  Sincerely,

  Anna Humphrey

  Transportation Community Organizer

  Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY)

  Comment added October 21, 2024 10:18am

• Guy Bernard Lalanne

  l would like to know how many more people would qualify for fair fair with that change! For me anyone who’s making minimum wages should automatically qualify for “Fair Fare” The truth is, lf we truly care about global warming we would offer free public transportation for all in order to reduces the number of cars on the road! Family size 2023 income numbers 2024 income numbers
  For individuals $14,580 $15,060
  For a family of 2 $19,720 $20,440
  For a family of 3 $24,860 $25,820
  For a family of 4 $30,000 $31,200

  That’s my 2 cents

  Comment added October 30, 2024 12:06pm

• Sean Abbott

  Please show some humanity, Law Giver, and make it easier for New Yorkers to get around — expand the Fair Fares Program, PLEASE. It is a time of callousness and cruelty and the rich are fleecing us all. Law Giver, whose side are you on?

  Comment added November 15, 2024 3:38pm