Transportation is the second biggest barrier to employment for people with disabilities. We work to improve transportation access in NYC with active campaigns on curb cuts, subway elevator access, accessible taxis, and improving Access-A-Ride (paratransit).
Contact us for help with your Access-A-Ride (paratransit) application.
The Metrocard has been phased out and replaced with OMNY.
What is a Reduced-Fare MetroCard? (Spanish, Chinese)
The reduced-fare card is a benefit available to seniors 65 years of age or older and people with disabilities that allows you to buy MetroCards for half of the regular fare.
Will it cost me anything?
A reduced fare is half of the base fare, $1.50 (full fare is $3), or less with Reduced-Fare MetroCard/OMNY discounts.
Which New York transportation services offer reduced-fare benefits?
- MTA New York City Transit subways
- MTA New York City Transit and MTA Buses (local buses anytime, express buses anytime except during weekday rush hours/peak hours)
- MTA Long Island Railroad and MTA Metro-North Railroad anytime including one-way weekday rush hours/peak hours to NYC terminals.
How can I apply for the card?
You can apply by mail: Print the application for seniors or for people with disabilities from the MTA website. Enclose a 2” x 2 1/2” photograph. Enclose a photocopy of acceptable proof of age: valid driver license, valid passport from any country, NYC Department of Aging ID card, Medicare card, Access-A-Ride ID card, MTA Reduced-Fare ID card (pre-1995), or proof of qualifying disability.
Mail to: MTA New York City Transit Attn: Reduced-Fare Program 130 Livingston Street Brooklyn, NY 11201-9625
You can apply in person: Bring 2 valid ID’s (see acceptable proof above) to the Reduced-Fare MetroCard Walk-In Service Center at 3 Stone Street, in Lower Manhattan between Broadway and Broad Street. The Service Center is open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm (except holidays).
You may also apply at a MetroCard Bus or Van. Find the schedule here.
What form of identification do I need?
- Valid driver license
- NYC Department of the Aging ID card or
- Valid passport from any country
- NYC Department of Aging ID card
- Medicare card (Medicaid card is not accepted) or
- Access-A-Ride ID card or
- MTA Reduced-Fare ID card (pre-1995)
How do I pay for my reduced-fare card?
MetroCard Vending Machines in subway stations accept cash, credit and debit card. You can also apply for an EasyPay account. EasyPay lets you link your credit or debit card to your Reduced-Fare MetroCard so it refills automatically as you use it.
What if I do not use my Reduced-Fare MetroCard?
There are no charges if you do not use your Reduced-Fare MetroCard.
How can I get help?
For all MTA services, dial 511 or contact CIDNY at 212-674-2300 and ask to speak to a benefits counselor.