ALBANY, N.Y. – A bipartisan group of New York lawmakers is backing a proposal that would allow military veterans to ride Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses, subways, and commuter trains at half price, expanding existing fare discount programs to honor those who have served.
Assembly Bill 95, sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), would amend Section 1266 of the Public Authorities Law to direct the MTA and its subsidiary corporations—including Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road—to establish and implement a half-fare rate program for veterans. The bill was prefiled for the 2025–2026 legislative session and referred to the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
Under the measure, the MTA would not be permitted to cover the cost of the program from its operating or capital budgets. Instead, the fare discounts could only be funded through state appropriations designated specifically for that purpose. Veterans eligible for the program would be required to present an authorized veteran identification card and reside in New York State at the time of application.
The legislation’s justification notes that New York is home to one of the nation’s largest veteran populations but has seen that number decline in recent years, partly due to high living costs in the MTA service region. Lawmakers argue that reducing transit costs could help make the region more affordable for veterans while recognizing their service. “Those who serve our country in the armed forces deserve not only our respect, but our gratitude,” Dinowitz wrote in his memo supporting the bill. “This measure expresses that gratitude by making transportation more affordable for them.”
Currently, the MTA offers half-fare programs for seniors and riders with qualifying disabilities, as well as a similar program for individuals with serious mental illness. The proposed veteran discount would extend comparable benefits to those who have served in the U.S. military.
The bill, which mirrors Senate Bill 5217, has wide bipartisan support, with more than 30 co-sponsors from both parties across New York. Fiscal implications are undetermined, as the program’s funding would depend on future state budget allocations.
If enacted, the measure would take effect immediately, directing the MTA to begin implementing the half-fare program once state funding becomes available.
New York lawmakers push bipartisan plan to give veterans half-price fares on MTA trains, subways, and buses.
