NYC SNAP recipients could be one step away from unlocking half price subway and bus rides

• Proposed legislation Int. 0248-2026 aims to streamline enrollment into the Fair Fares NYC program.

• The measure allows the city to share existing SNAP application data with express user consent.

• Qualified low income commuters would save 50 percent on subway and local bus fares across the city.

Navigating public transit costs remains a major financial hurdle for low income households relying on subways and buses across the five boroughs of New York City. To help mitigate these daily commuting expenses, the New York City Council is reviewing proposed ordinance Int. 0248-2026, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson. The legislative effort seeks to create a streamlined enrollment pathway into Fair Fares NYC for eligible individuals who apply for or currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or cash assistance.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Council Member Crystal Hudson (@cmcrystalhudson)

Streamlined registration replacing automatic enrollment

City officials emphasize that the proposal does not introduce a brand new discount or grant automatic enrollment to all food stamp recipients. Fair Fares NYC already provides a 50 percent reduction on standard subway fares and eligible local bus routes for qualifying residents. Instead, version 248-A of the bill focuses on eliminating administrative redundancy. If passed, the Department of Social Services could utilize verified documentation previously submitted during SNAP applications to fast track the transit discount enrollment, provided the applicant gives explicit consent.

Strict eligibility rules and household income caps

To qualify for the reduced fare program, applicants must meet specific municipal criteria regarding age, location and income level. Eligible participants must be between 18 and 64 years old, reside in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island, and fall within annual income caps set at 145 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For 2026, income limits stand at 23,940 dollars for single individuals and 49,500 dollars for a family of four. Furthermore, the program remains open to all qualifying residents regardless of immigration status.

 

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Semi annual notices and ongoing interagency coordination

Under the proposed rules, the Department of Social Services would send semi annual notifications to SNAP recipients who have not yet enrolled in Fair Fares NYC. These personalized alerts will inform households about transit cost savings and explain step by step registration procedures available through ACCESS HRA or local benefit centers. By improving interagency coordination and requiring annual usage reports to the City Council, municipal leaders hope to expand transit equity and bring substantial financial relief to thousands of working families.