Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in New York

Where to start

Quick reference

Fair Fares NYC

Fair Fares NYC gives eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride trips. The program is open to eligible residents regardless of immigration status.

For 2026, applicants generally must be ages 18 through 64 and have household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. People who already receive full carfare or another reduced-fare benefit may not qualify for the subway and bus discount. Fair Fares has separate checks for Access-A-Ride users.

Add $8,520 for each person above eight. Use the Fair Fares application guide to check documents and application methods.

If approved, you can link the discount to an allowed personal payment method or request a Fair Fares OMNY card. A mailed card normally arrives two to three weeks after approval. If an application or renewal is denied, request a review within 14 calendar days of the notice date.

Other New York City transit help

Current MTA fares and caps

The current MTA fare page lists a $3 fare for subways and local, limited, rush, and Select Bus Service buses. Express buses cost $7.25.

When you use the same OMNY card, bank card, or device, tap-and-ride fares are capped at $35 for subway and local bus trips during a rolling seven-day period. Switching cards or phones can stop the rides from counting together.

MTA Reduced-Fare

The Reduced-Fare program is for riders age 65 or older and people with qualifying disabilities. The current subway and local bus fare is $1.50 for eligible riders. This program is different from Fair Fares and is not based on income.

Access-A-Ride

Access-A-Ride is NYC paratransit for people whose disability prevents them from using regular buses or subways for some or all trips. Use the Access-A-Ride application to schedule the required assessment.

The MTA normally makes an eligibility decision within 21 days after the assessment. A denial or conditional approval can be appealed within 60 days. Access-A-Ride fares are normally the same as the full subway and local bus fare, although Fair Fares may reduce the cost for eligible riders.

ASMOM’s disability help guide covers related benefit and accommodation paths.

Medicaid medical transportation

New York Medicaid transportation helps eligible Medicaid members travel to and from covered medical services at no cost when the trip is approved. It is not for work, school, grocery shopping, gyms, or other non-medical destinations.

The state contracts with Medical Answering Services, called MAS, to authorize and manage most trips. Use the MAS enrollee portal or call the correct regional number:

• New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, and Westchester: 844-666-6270.
• All other New York counties: 866-932-7740.

The Medicaid ride overview says to request transportation at least 72 hours before the appointment when possible. All trips must be approved before travel.

Have your Medicaid ID, pickup address, phone number, provider name, appointment time, and full destination ready. Explain whether you need a wheelchair vehicle, another accessibility feature, an escort, or a return trip. MAS generally chooses the least costly transportation that is safe and appropriate for your medical needs.

For Medicaid and health coverage help, ASMOM’s New York health guide provides related steps.

Transportation for work and training

Local social services districts provide employment and training services to some Temporary Assistance and SNAP applicants and recipients. The official employment services page lists public and private transportation among the supports that may be available.

When a local district assigns a public-assistance work activity, it must make diligent efforts to help the participant get to and from the site. Transportation may include public transit, another approved ride, or an assignment closer to home when transportation is a direct barrier.

Ask the worker to put the activity and transportation arrangement in writing. Ask whether you will receive fare money before the activity, a pass, mileage, or another approved service. Do not assume the district will repay an unapproved taxi, rideshare, or fuel cost.

Use myBenefits county help to find your local Department of Social Services. In New York City, Cash Assistance and assigned employment services are handled through HRA.

ASMOM’s New York TANF guide explains cash-assistance rules. The New York child care guide can help when both care and transportation block work.

Transportation for children and students

NYC Student OMNY Cards

Eligible New York City students receive Student OMNY Cards through their schools. The cards allow up to four free trips each day, every day of the week, and remain valid through the school year and summer.

Contact the school if a card was not issued, stopped working, or was lost. Eligibility is decided by New York City Public Schools, not by the MTA.

Temporary housing, foster care, and disability

The NYC transportation rights page explains special transportation for some students in temporary housing, foster care, and students whose IEP or 504 Plan calls for curb-to-school service. Some parents or guardians can receive travel support while busing is arranged.

Across New York State, a student who meets McKinney-Vento rules has the right to transportation to and from the school of origin when requested. The state homeless education page explains these rights.

Ask the school for the McKinney-Vento liaison when your family is staying in a shelter, motel, car, campground, or temporarily sharing housing after losing a home. Ask for a written dispute process if transportation is denied.

Transportation outside New York City

Outside NYC, transportation depends on the county and local operator. New York has more than 130 public transit operators, including city buses, county routes, rural demand-response programs, and disability paratransit.

Use the state transit directory to find the operator serving your area. Ask about:

• Fixed-route fares and reduced fares.
• ADA paratransit eligibility and booking deadlines.
• Demand-response or dial-a-ride service.
• Rural routes and days of operation.
• Connections to hospitals, colleges, child care, and job centers.

Call 211 when no public route fits. ASMOM’s New York community guide lists other local starting points. The Community Action guide explains how to ask local agencies about one-time transportation help.

Guaranteed Ride home

The 511NY Guaranteed Ride program may provide an emergency trip by rideshare, taxi, or public transit for enrolled full-time workers who normally commute by transit, carpool, vanpool, walking, or biking. Current benefits can total up to $300 in ride credits per year, subject to program and regional limits.

This is not a daily commute benefit. Enroll before an emergency and confirm that your work location and commute qualify.

Documents and information to gather

Different programs ask for different proof. Call or apply even if one item is missing, then ask what other document can be accepted.

Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to keep notices, trip numbers, and receipts together.

If transportation is denied, delayed, or does not arrive

Fair Fares

If Fair Fares denies an application or renewal, request a review within 14 calendar days of the notice. Ask which identity, residence, income, or fare-benefit information caused the denial.

Access-A-Ride

Appeal a denial or conditional eligibility decision within 60 days. Follow the appeal form included with the MTA notice and keep a copy of everything submitted.

Medicaid transportation

Report a late, unsafe, missing, or poor-quality ride to MAS. The state Medicaid complaint page explains other complaint routes. A written denial of a Medicaid service may include plan appeal or fair-hearing rights, so follow the notice rather than relying only on a phone call.

DSS or HRA transportation

Ask for a written decision when transportation for an assigned activity is denied. Public Assistance and service decisions normally have a 60-day fair-hearing period, while some medical work-exemption notices require action within 10 days. The fair hearing guide explains the current deadlines.

ASMOM’s benefits problem guide can help you document the issue. Use the New York legal guide when a transportation problem is tied to benefits, disability, school rights, housing, or safety.