Seek $1B to make transit free for poor

Legislation proposed by Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday would make New York City’s poorest residents immune from the MTA’s crackdown on fare evasion.

The bill, dubbed the Transportation Equity Act, would establish a $1 billion annual federal grant program that transit agencies across the country could tap into.

The money would be used to provide gratis rides for people whose income is at least 300% less than the federal poverty line. People older than 60 and those with disabilities would also be eligible.

“Every two years, we’ve seen MTA’s board vote to hike fares on commuters,” said Velazquez. “It is time we invest federally in making local transit more accessible and affordable, and this bill constitutes a step in that direction.”

New York City is already working to roll out a similar program called Fair Fares, which provides half-priced MetroCards to New Yorkers living below the city’s poverty line. Roughly 70% of eligible residents won’t be able to apply for the program until January.

Velazquez spokesman Alex Haurek said the legislation aims to build on the city’s program, adding that recent arrests of food vendors on the subway highlight why the free rides are necessary.

“Many of us were outraged by the recent unnecessary arrests and mistreatment of vendors in New York subways,” said Velazquez. “Their harassment is symptomatic of how our society often criminalizes poverty.”