Ibrahim Gardner
Students can avail of half-fare MetroCards, which offer discounted rides on buses and trains. The process for obtaining a half-fare MetroCard varies by location and eligibility criteria. In Houston, Texas, for instance, students must submit certain documents, such as proof of enrolment and a government-issued photo ID, for review by the METRO program. In New York City, the Fair Fares NYC program offers a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares for low-income residents. The MTA in NYC also offers a Reduced-Fare MetroCard for specific customer segments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Discounted fare | 50% off |
| Eligibility | Students, veterans, senior citizens, people with disabilities, low-income residents |
| Requirements | Valid ID, proof of disability (if applicable), proof of credit hours (for college students) |
| Application process | Online, by mail, or in person |
| Card type | Reduced-Fare OMNY (replacing MetroCard) |
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What You'll Learn
Discounted fare eligibility
The eligibility criteria for discounted fares on the metro vary depending on the location and the specific discounted fare program. Here are the eligibility criteria for some of the commonly mentioned programs:
Fair Fares NYC
The Fair Fares NYC program offers a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares, including the Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, and Hudson Rail Link. It also provides a 50% discount on Access-A-Ride trips. This program is designed for New Yorkers with low incomes to help reduce their transportation costs. To be eligible, you must be a resident of the five NYC boroughs and not already be receiving a reduced fare or full carfare from DSS/HRA.
Reduced-Fare MetroCard
The Reduced-Fare MetroCard program offers discounted fares for eligible customers on subways, the Staten Island Railway, and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses. The reduced fare is $1.45, which is half of the $2.90 base fare, and is available at all times of the day. On express bus trips, the reduced fare is $3.50, which is half of the $7 base fare. This program is available to anyone aged 65 or over or with a qualifying disability.
METRO Discounted Fare Programs (Houston, TX)
The METRO Discounted Fare Programs in Houston, TX, offer discounted fare cards for eligible students. To receive a discounted fare card, students or their parents must submit certain documents for review, including a completed application signed by a parent or legal guardian. The discounted fare card allows students to ride for half price and get free transfers between services of equal or lesser value for up to three hours in any direction.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and application processes may vary depending on your location and the specific discounted fare program. Always check with your local transit authority or the specific program's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Reduced-fare OMNY application
The OMNY (One Metro New York) system allows riders to tap their OMNY card, credit or debit card, or mobile device on the screen at a subway turnstile or on the bus. Reduced-fare OMNY cards are available for riders who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. The reduced fare for subways, the Staten Island Railway, and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses is $1.45 (half the base fare) for eligible customers. On express bus trips, the reduced fare is $3.50 (half the $7 base fare).
If you are eligible, you can apply for a Reduced-Fare OMNY card in person or by mail. The online application is currently unavailable. You will need to bring a valid ID, and if you have a disability, you will also need to bring documentation of your disability. New customers who apply by mail may experience longer processing times of up to three months before receiving a Reduced-Fare OMNY card.
If you already have a Reduced-Fare OMNY Card, you must tap that card to receive your Reduced-Fare benefit. You can load money onto your Reduced-Fare OMNY Card using cash, credit, or debit. You can do this by using an OMNY vending machine at a subway station, adding value or setting up automatic refills with a free online account, finding a store near you that reloads OMNY Cards, or meeting the Mobile Sales team at a location near you.
If your Reduced-Fare OMNY Card is lost or stolen, you must visit a customer service location to report it and get a replacement. The balance at the time of replacement will be transferred to your new card.
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In-person reduced-fare help
To get in-person assistance with a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, you can visit a Customer Service Center at select subway stations 24/7 or at 3 Stone St in Lower Manhattan, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you have a disability, you can receive in-person, individualized assistance. To apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, bring a valid ID and, if applicable, documentation of your qualifying disability. Forms of accepted photo ID include a valid driver's license or legal equivalent from any state.
If you ride Bee-Line or NICE buses, you should continue to use your Reduced-Fare MetroCard until OMNY is available on these services. If you need a Reduced-Fare MetroCard for these services, call 511.
Additionally, you can apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard by mail. However, new customers who apply by mail may experience longer processing times of up to three months before receiving their card.
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Student application process
The process for applying for a half-fare MetroCard varies depending on your location and the specific MetroCard program you are applying for. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Check Your Eligibility:
Before applying, it is important to verify if you are eligible for the half-fare MetroCard program. Different programs have different eligibility criteria. For example, the Fair Fares NYC program is only available to residents of the five NYC boroughs with low incomes. Similarly, the METRO Veterans Pass is offered to disabled veterans who meet certain criteria. Check the official website or your local transit authority to determine your eligibility for the relevant program.
Gather Required Documents:
Once you confirm your eligibility, gather the necessary documents. The required documents may include a valid photo ID, proof of age, class schedule or report card, proof of credit hours, and proof of disability (if applicable). In some cases, you may also need a completed application signed by a parent or legal guardian. Refer to the specific program's requirements to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Submit Your Application:
You can submit your application for the half-fare MetroCard program either online, in person, or by mail. The availability of these options may vary depending on your location and the specific program. For instance, Houston's METRO program allows applications through their METRO Online RideStore, in-person at select METRO RideStore locations, or by mailing in the required documents. Check the official sources for the application methods applicable to your desired program.
Wait for Processing:
After submitting your application, allow for processing time. The processing time may differ depending on the application method. For instance, Houston's METRO program mentions that applying by mail may result in longer processing times of up to three months for receiving the reduced-fare card.
Receive Your Half-Fare MetroCard:
Once your application is approved and processed, you will receive your half-fare MetroCard. The delivery method may vary, and you may be able to pick up the card in person or have it mailed to you. With your half-fare MetroCard, you can now enjoy discounted fares on your transit journeys.
Please note that the specific steps may vary slightly depending on your location and the particular half-fare MetroCard program you are applying for. Always refer to the official sources and guidelines provided by your local transit authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Discounted transfers
The discounted transfers are a part of the Reduced-Fare program. If you pay your fare using a discounted Metro Q® Fare Card or a discounted Day Pass, you can get free transfers between any equal or lesser-value service for up to three hours. If you are transferring to a higher-cost service, you will only need to pay the fare difference.
If you are a student, you can apply for a discounted METRO Q® Fare Card or Day Pass. Certain documents must be submitted by a student or their parent for review before a discounted card can be issued. These documents include a completed application signed by a parent or legal guardian, a class schedule, or a report card. If you are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, a completed application signed by a parent or legal guardian is required. You can obtain a discounted card in person at any of these METRO RideStore locations:
- Downtown Transit Center - 1900 Main St.
- Main Street Square - 1001 Travis St.
You can also obtain a discounted card through the METRO Online RideStore.
The Reduced-Fare program is transitioning from MetroCard to OMNY. If you apply by mail, you may experience longer processing times of up to three months before receiving a Reduced-Fare OMNY card. You can apply in person or by mail, but the online application is not currently available.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for a half-fare student MetroCard in person or by mail. You will need to provide a valid ID and, if you have a disability, documentation of your disability.
Valid forms of ID include a valid driver's license or its legal equivalent from any state.
The discounted fare is 60 cents for all services except the Park & Ride bus, for which the fare is half off the regular price and depends on where you board.
You can use your half-fare student MetroCard on the bus and rail.
