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Reduced-Fare program

Reduced fares are available for riders who are 65 or older or riders who have qualifying disabilities.

Reduced-Fare OMNY cards are coming soon

As we transition 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. Check back here for updates.

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 13, but will resume shortly. Check back soon for more information.

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
  • IDNYC identification card
  • Birth certificate + photo ID
  • Medicare card + photo ID
  • Valid state photo ID

Option 1: Apply in person

1. Gather the documents you need.

Bring a valid ID. Forms of ID we accept are listed above.

If you have a disability, you also need to bring documentation of your disability. A list is on page 5 of the Reduced-Fare application for people with disabilities.

We have forms, assistance, and free photography available.

2. Apply in person at our Customer Service Center.

You can apply in person at our Customer Service Center in Lower Manhattan.

If you're 65 or older, you can sign up in person and receive your new Reduced-Fare MetroCard the same day at a Customer Service Center. If you have a disability or you visit a mobile sales vehicle, you can receive in-person, individualized assistance from a station agent and get a Temporary Reduced-Fare MetroCard to use while your application is being processed.

Option 2: Apply by mail

1. Download and complete an application.
2. Include a passport-style photo.

It should be 2 inches by 1.5 inches.

3. Include a copy of a valid ID as proof of age.

Forms of ID we accept are listed above.

4. For riders with disabilities, include documentation of a qualifying disability.

A list is on page 5 of the application. An examiner will review this and might contact you for more information.

5. Mail your application and documents to us.

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

Paying with your credit or debit card or mobile device

If you’re an existing Reduced-Fare customer who already switched to OMNY using your credit or debit card or mobile device, you can continue using your card or device as usual. You won’t receive an OMNY card in the mail.

Get help

Reduced-Fare MetroCard customers

Call us at 511. Say "MTA," then say "Subway and Buses" and follow the prompts.

You can also use your preferred relay service provider or the free 711 relay if you need.

Get help with a Reduced-Fare MetroCard issue.

Reduced-Fare OMNY customers

If you’re already using Reduced-Fare OMNY, contact OMNY Customer Service online or by calling 877-789-6669 for questions about OMNY payments and transactions:

  • Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact OMNY.