City Council looks at half-price Metrocard plan for low-income riders
Fair Fare proposal would New Yorkers in need a break
Transportation advocates pushing for low-income straphangers to get a break on the price of a MetroCard had a double dose of activities on Monday. First, protesters held a rally on the steps of City Hall to galvanize support for Fair Fares, the proposal to allow poverty-stricken riders to buy MetroCards for half-price. Following the rally, the City Council held a hearing where the idea was discussed.
The Transportation Committee hearing focused on how public transportation could better serve the needs of residents. But the Fair Fares proposal emerged as an issue at the session, according to advocates, who said transit riders testified.
At the rally prior to the hearing, protesters called on Mayor Bill de Blasio to make half-priced MetroCards a priority during budget negotiations.