MTA now accepting IDNYC as valid identification to apply for OMNY cards and for Access-A-Ride service
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is now accepting IDNYC as valid identification to apply for OMNY cards and for Access-A-Ride service. IDNYC is a free municipal identification car for all New York City residents, ages 10 and up. The authority’s paratransit service requires identification when customers apply to become a paratransit customer. Once they are an eligible customer, they need to show identification every time they board the vehicle, which can be an AAR ID, a state ID and now also an IDNYC card.
The latest effort, a recommendation put forth in a Fare Evasion Report released last month, expands the reach of the MTA’s Reduced-Fare program, as IDNYC is widely used by lower income New Yorkers from all backgrounds. The comprehensive report to combat fare evasion included taking a look at how to better support New York’s low-income transit riders.
Reduced-Fare MetroCard holders are also eligible to receive discounted tickets on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad at all times except weekday morning peak trains.
“Accepting IDNYC is one of the more immediate solutions we can implement that expands the opportunity to offer financial assistance through reduced fares to more New Yorkers,” said MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “We receive hundreds of applications daily for reduced fares and expanding this is a great step to making sure we are doing what we can on our end to better serve transit riders.”
“Having an IDNYC card has already made it easier for New Yorkers to benefit from essential services from the city,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “Now, IDNYC card holders can benefit from the same ease to receive reduced fares as they ride the subway and bus system. Increasing access to Reduced-Fare customers who rely on transit to get around is a win for the city, the transit system and the countless customers who will benefit.”
“Access-a-ride provides a critical service for customers who are unable to use our fixed-route system,” said MTA Vice President for Paratransit Chris Pangilinan. “Branching out to customers who use IDNYC as their main source of identification opens the opportunity for them to potentially have access to paratransit service like tens of thousands of New Yorkers who already benefit from it every day.”
For subways and local buses, the reduced fare is $1.35, compared with the base fare $2.75. Reduced fares are available for riders who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability.
