 Using the MetroCard
MetroCards are stored value cards issued by the New York City Transit Authority for taking the bus and subway in New York. While it is possible to pay for a bus using exact change (in coins) you must have a MetroCard to enter the subway system.
MetroCards can be bought online, at stations (either from a vending machine or from a token booth), or at many grocery stores and newstands (look for a MetroCard sign on the store window). Information on types of MetroCards and fares can be found online at www.mta.info/metrocard.
MetroCard Vending Machine
Author: Alphachimp (cc-by-sa-2.5)
Which MetroCard is right for you? It depends on how long you plan to stay, how you intend to use the system, and how often you intend using the system. The base fare is $2 which you pay when you enter a bus or pass through a station turnstile for the first time. However, most MetroCards discount this fare:
The Single Ride MetroCard available for $2 at stores and at MetroCard vending machines in stations. You cannot buy this card at a token booth.
Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards are available from $4 to $100 at vending machines and token booths. Any purchase over $7 gives a 15% bonus (every $10 gives you an extra $1.50). Transfers between bus and subway are available. This is the best option if you are spending a few days in New York and plan on using public transportation intermittently. The only way to have a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard with an even balance is to purchase $40 (or a multiple of it) in total, giving you a $6 free bonus, resulting in $46, or 23 card swipes.
One-Day Funpass available for $7.50 from stores and MetroCard vending machines (but not at token booths). Unlimited use of subways and buses from the time you first use the card till 3am of the next day. A great deal if you plan on using the transportation system heavily over a day.
Seven-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard available for $25 from token booths and vending machines and valid from the time you first use it to midnight of the seventh day. At under $3.60 a day, this is an amazing deal for anyone spending a week in the city. Even with moderate use of the transport system, you'll break even in five days.
14-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard available for $47 from token booths and vending machines and valid from the time you first use it to midnight of the fourteenth day. If you pay by credit or debit/ATM card, the MTA will not replace the card if you lose it, however they will issue you a card with a prorated value of $3.36 per day left on your card.
Thirty-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard available for $81 from token booths and vending machines and valid from the time you first use it to midnight of the 30th day. If you pay by credit or debit/ATM card, the MTA will not replace the card if you lose it, however they will issue you a card with a prorated value of $2.70 per day left on your card.
Seven-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard available for $41 and is good for unlimited express bus service (routes typically run from an outer borough to Manhattan, excluding Staten Island) as well as unlimited local bus and subway service for one week until midnight of the seventh day. If you pay by credit or debit/ATM card, the MTA will not replace the card if you lose it, however they will issue you a card with a prorated value of $5.86 per day left on your card.
JFK-AirTrain 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard available for $40 from vending machines at the AirTrain terminals and valid from the time you buy to midnight of the 30th day. Good for unlimited rides on the AirTrain to JFK for those thirty days. If you take the AirTrain nine or more times within a thirty day period, you will benefit from the initial purchase.
JFK-AirTrain 10-Trip MetroCard available for $25 from vending machines at the AirTrain terminals and good for ten trips until six months after the original purchase date at midnight. If used completely, you can save $25 from buying $5 rides individually. You'll break even if riding 5 times and start saving on the 6th ride.
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