MTA Reduced-Fare Program

What is the New York MTA Reduced-Fare Program?

The Reduced-Fare program offers lower fares on subways, the Staten Island Railway, and local buses for people who are 65 or older or have a disability. If you qualify, you'll pay $1.45 (half of the regular $2.90 fare) at any time of day.

For express buses, the reduced fare is $3.50, but this only applies outside of weekday peak hours (6–10 a.m. and 3–7 p.m.) On the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, you can get up to 50% off the regular one-way peak fare. However, the discount does not apply on weekday mornings (6–10 a.m.) if you're traveling toward New York City.

Am I eligible for the New York MTA Reduced-Fare Program?

To get help from the Reduced-Fare program, you must meet certain rules. To qualify, you must be:

• 65 or older, or
• A person with a qualifying disability, such as:
  • Getting Medicare for a reason other than age
  • Having a serious mental illness and receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • Being blind
  • Having hearing loss or deafness
  • Having trouble walking or using your legs
  • Having a cognitive (thinking or memory) disability
  • Having another type of physical disability

How do I apply for the MTA Reduced-Fare Program?

You can apply for the Reduced-Fare program either in person or by mail.

APPLY IN PERSON

To apply in person, you’ll need to bring a completed application with you. There are two different applications—one for people 65 and older, and one for people with disabilities. You can download and print the right one below:

• Reduced-Fare Program Application-65 and Older
• Reduced-Fare Program Application-People with Disabilities

If you are 65 or older, you’ll also need to bring a valid form of ID, such as:

• A valid driver’s license (from any state)
• A valid passport (from any country)
• An IDNYC card
• A birth certificate with a photo ID
• A Medicare card with a photo ID
• A valid state photo ID

If you are applying with a disability, your doctor or healthcare provider must complete the physician certification on page 5 of the application for people with disabilities.

Bring your filled-out application and any required documents to one of the MTA’s Customer Service Centers, which are inside select subway stations. These centers are in accessible stations and are open 24/7. Find an MTA Customer Service Center near you.

APPLY BY MAIL

To apply by mail, download and print the application that is right for your situation (provided above). You’ll also need to include a passport-style photo of yourself that is 2 inches by 1.5 inches.

• If you are 65 or older, include a copy of a valid ID to prove your age.
• If you have a disability, make sure your healthcare provider fills out the disability certification on page 5 of the application.

Mail your completed application and copies of all required documents to:

MTA New York City Transit
Attn: Reduced Fare Program
130 Livingston St
Brooklyn, NY 11201-9625

Note: If you apply by mail, it may take up to three months to get your Reduced-Fare OMNY card because the MTA is switching from MetroCards to the new OMNY system.

What if I need help applying for the MTA Reduced-Fare Program?

If you need help applying for the MTA Reduced-Fare program or have questions, you can:

• Call OMNY Customer Service at 877-789-6669. Agents are available every day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Call MetroCard Customer Service by dialing 511. Say “MTA,” then “Subway and Buses,” and follow the instructions.
• Visit a MetroCard Customer Service Center in select subway stations anytime, 24/7. Find the one closest to you.