The MTA’s Reduced-Fare Program, For Disabled and Those Over 65
Did you know that the MTA has a Reduced Fare Program for people who are 65 or older or riders who have qualifying disabilities? If you didn’t, now you do.
Reduced-Fare OMNY cards are coming soon
As the city transitions from MetroCard to OMNY, existing Reduced-Fare MetroCard customers will receive OMNY cards in the mail starting in December. During the transition, the Reduced-Fare application process will change.
About the Reduced-Fare program
– The reduced fare for subways and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses is $1.45 (half the $2.90 base fare) at all times of the day for eligible customers.
– On express bus trips, the reduced fare is $3.50 (half the $7 base fare). You will pay the reduced fare anytime except during weekday peak periods (6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.).
– On the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, you can save up to 50% off the full one-way peak fare. You will pay the reduced fare anytime except weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. if traveling in the direction of NYC terminals. Read more about railroad fares, including reduced fares.
Who qualifies for the Reduced-Fare program?
Any person aged 65 or over, or any person with a qualifying disability:
– Receiving Medicare benefits for any reason other than age
– Serious mental illness and receiving Supplemental Security Income
– Blindness
– Deafness or hearing loss
– Ambulatory disability
– Cognitive disability
– Other physical disability
How to apply for the Reduced-Fare program
You can apply in person or by mail. The online application is not currently available.
As the MTA transitions Reduced-Fare customers from MetroCard to OMNY, new customers who apply by mail may experience longer processing times of up to three months before receiving a Reduced-Fare OMNY card. We encourage customers to apply in person to enroll in the Reduced-Fare program sooner.
In-person applications will be briefly suspended after November 19, but will resume shortly.
To get more information on how to apply: Click Here!
ID requirements
You will need an ID card to apply. We accept the following forms of photo ID:
– Valid driver’s license (or legal equivalent) from any state
– Valid passport from any country
– Birth certificate + photo ID
– Medicare card + photo ID
– Valid state photo ID
