Fare Hikes & Justice: Is $3 Deepening Transit Inequality?

Does $3 widen equity gaps?

A 10-cent fare hike might seem modest on its face, but for many New Yorkers, it pushes transit further into the "luxury" lane. In 2023, around 19% of NYC residents reported often struggling to afford subway or bus fares under the existing $2.90 rate. Low-income riders, particularly women and people of color, disproportionately bear that burden.

Advocates argue the current structure already excludes many who earn just over eligibility thresholds for programs like Fair Fares. Expanding Fair Fares up to 200% of the poverty line is projected to ease transit burden for 400,000 more New Yorkers, but that hasn't been fully enacted yet.

In short: a $3 fare doesn't just raise prices. It deepens the divide between those who can absorb transit costs and those for whom each ride is a squeeze.