New York, New York – On February 13th, New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Selvena Brooks-Powers, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Transportation, and Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Aging sent a letter to Janno Lieber, Chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, urging him to resolve the concerning discrepancy in Access-A-Ride (AAR) discounts between Fair Fares NYC and the Reduced Fare Metrocard. Currently, Reduced Fare Metrocard users do not benefit from cost savings for AAR use, and pay full fares for it. 

“Our call to the MTA to merge Reduced Fare riders does not come lightly.”, said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation. “Over 1.2 million people over the age of 65 and another 1 million living with a disability are directly affected by this costly discrepancy. We must guarantee that AAR, the essential lifeline for so many New Yorkers, remains affordable and accessible.” 

“The Access-A-Ride program is a transit lifeline for older New Yorkers and members of the disability community,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “We must ensure this service is affordable for those who need it. The MTA should allow Reduced Fare riders to use their MetroCard for Access-a-Ride, just as Fair Fare riders do. This discrepancy harms vulnerable New Yorkers – extending the Reduced Fare discount to Access-A-Ride helps to ensure equitable access to this essential service.”

“We write to Chairman Lieber because we must take purposeful steps to ensure public transit is accessible and reliable for all New Yorkers. And the discrepancy in Access-A-Ride (AAR) discounts between Fair Fares NYC and the Reduced Fare MetroCard programs are glaring shortcomings that hinder our progress toward transportation equity and disability justice in our communities. AAR is often the only form of transit available for those with mobility challenges, and therefore should be affordable –– and discounted –– for all who rely on it for everyday travel,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the Committee on Aging.