Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is calling for the “fair fares” transit discount program to include Access-A-Ride users in the city’s FY 2020 budget.
In a letter to City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Borough President Diaz notes that the “fair fares” program is designed to provide eligible low-income New Yorkers with reduced transit fares, and that such benefits should be expanded to include Access-A-Ride customers.
“A reliable and affordable mode of transportation is key for employment, and by not providing low-income community members with disabilities an affordable option to get to their workplace, New York City is not giving them every opportunity they deserve to rise above poverty,” wrote Borough President Diaz in the letter.
Borough President Diaz notes in the letter that Access-A-Ride, which services disabled New Yorkers, currently has approximately 150,000 users who take approximately 625,000 total trips per month, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
The full letter can be viewed at https://on.nyc.gov/2HHchW8.