Transportation Program FAQ - DYCD

Department of Youth & Community Development


Transportation Program

Transportation Program
Family Development Credential Program
Capacity Building & Professional Development
Discretionary Contracts
CBO Financial Services
Contracting Opportunities
EO - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Transportation Program

Family Development Credential Program

Capacity Building & Professional Development

Discretionary Contracts

CBO Financial Services

Contracting Opportunities

EO - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act


Transportation Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible for the Complimentary Subway Transportation Program?

This free service is available to nonprofit organizations and public schools, serving youth between the ages of 5 through 18, with Tax Exempt status, 501(c)(3) designation. The organization must have a minimum of 15 youth participants enrolled.

Are schools eligible for the program?

Yes, but program benefits are available to NYC Department of Education (DOE) public schools for travel during non-school hours. If you are a NYC Department of Education (DOE) public school or a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and will be traveling during school hours, please contact the DOE Office of Pupil Transportation at 718-392-8855 or email certificatesfortransportation@schools.nyc.gov.

How can I apply for the Complimentary Subway Transportation Program?

Complete a complimentary Subway Transportation Application and submit it along with verification of the organization’s tax exempt status and Taxpayer ID # to the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). If you do not have access to the internet, call 1-800-246-4646 or 646-343-6800 (outside of NYC).

How long will it take to process my application?

Please allow for up to 2 weeks for the processing of your application. If you do not hear from DYCD after 2 weeks, you can contact 800-246-4646 or transportation@dycd.nyc.gov.

How can I get additional certificates?

Requests for additional certificates can be submitted via the Subway Transportation Application. All requests must include the organization name, address, phone number, contact person information, Program ID Card number, Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or EIN# and the Tax Exempt status, as well as the number of certificates requested.

What if I lost my Program ID Card?

Organizations are responsible for the safekeeping of the Program ID Card. Replacement for lost or damaged Program ID Cards will be at the discretion of DYCD. All requests for new or replacement Program ID Cards must be made through a completed complimentary Subway Transportation Application. The application should indicate lost or stolen card with the program ID # of the cards to be replaced. The Online Application must be accompanied by verification of the organization’s Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or EIN#.

Can I apply for a Program ID Card or pick-up certificates in person?

Any pick-up requests for Program ID Cards or certificates must be pre-arranged with DYCD Office of External Relations. To schedule an appointment, please email us at transportation@dycd.nyc.gov.

Can I use a copy of the Program ID Card or Certificates?

No, only original Program ID Cards or Certificates will be accepted as valid identification.

Can the certificates be used on the Path Train or Metro North?

No, Certificates are for use on NYC subways and Staten Island Railway.

Can the certificates be used on New York City Buses?

No, Certificates are for use on NYC subways and Staten Island Railway.

If my group has to travel during rush hour, can there be a letter or a call to NYC Transit to override the rush hour rules?

No, The certificates are valid for travel on the times and days listed on the form. There are no exceptions to the rules.

Can certificates be used by adults?

The certificates are valid for youth, ages 18 and under traveling as a group with adult supervision. Each certificate is valid for no more than forty (40) children and four (4) adults and not less than five (5) children and one (1) adult. The certificates are not valid for travel by adult groups.

Are there group discount rates for bulk purchases?

The DYCD Complimentary Subway Transportation Program is available to nonprofit organizations serving youth between the ages 5 through 18 with Tax Exempt status, 501(c)(3) designation. The organization must have a minimum of 15 youth participants enrolled.

For other services such as MetroCard and Fun Pass, please call NYC Transit at 511. For bulk purchases of MetroCards, please contact MetroCard Extended Sales.