MetroCard New York: a few words of presentation
As noted, the MetroCard represents New York's transit pass. It comes in the form of a magnetic card allowing free movement in the New York subway and bus. This famous MetroCard was introduced for two main reasons: eliminate old tokens previously used in public transport and modernize public transport from the city.
What are the prices of the MetroCard?
Depending on the payment method chosen (Pay-Per-Ride or Unlimited Ride MetroCard), the duration of use varies.
Good to know: the base price for a single trip by bus or metro is $ 3, regardless of the distance.
So if you choose the pay per use (Pay-Per-Ride), you will only pay for the trips made. With this card, you can choose the amount you want: between 5.50 $ and 100 $ (if you put more than $ 5.50 on your MetroCard, you will receive a 5% bonus) and $ 2.62 will be deducted from your MetroCard every time you take the bus or metro. If you wish, you can use this card several times consecutively (4 times maximum). For example, if there are two of you and you pass the same card, two trips will be deducted from your card. With this MetroCard, you can therefore pass the card between you to cross the turnstiles of the metro!
On the other hand, if you plan to use public transport frequently, choose the unlimited duration MetroCard which will allow you to make as many trips as you want. With the Unlimited Ride MetroCard, you will be able to take the metro and the bus as you see fit! Depending on the length of your stay, several cards are available: 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard valid for 7 consecutive days and cost 32$ (full price) or $ 15 (reduced price) and the one valid 30 days presented at the price of 121$ (full price) or $ 56 (reduced price).
Note: the reduced rate is possible thanks to a MetroCard reserved for holders of MediCare (health insurance system) and for the elderly. Children measuring less than 1.10 m and accompanied by an adult who has paid the full price travel for free.
Whatever card you choose, it will be active from its first use and will end 7 or 30 days later. Thus, if you have chosen a card valid for 30 days and if you activated it in the middle of the month, its expiry date will not be at the end of the month, but 30 days after.
MetroCard New York: where to buy it?
The easiest option to buy your MetroCard is to go to a subway station (all information about the New York subway is in this article) directly from a automatic terminal. In most cases, the machine will offer you to choose your language.
Otherwise, you can go to a counter to ask a seller of the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority).
Be aware, however, that not all metro stations have terminals or vendors. It is therefore advisable to look at the signs located at the entrance to metro entrances; it is mentioned 😉
Alternatively, you can purchase your MetroCard in some stores, directly in the bus or machines installed in bus stops.
Buying a MetroCard by machine: what payment methods are available?
Buying your MetroCard directly from the machine is very easy and you can pay either by credit card or in cash. If you choose cash payment, top up before, because the machine does not give more than $ 9 of change and if you opt for payment by credit card, you will be asked for a postal code (ZIP code). For those living abroad, enter the number "99999" or "10001" and simply go to the next step.
Finally, know that you will not be able to no more than two MetroCards per day and per credit card. If you are four, you will therefore have to use two different blue cards and more if you are more. Otherwise, pay in cash!
Tips for using your MetroCard properly
Have you purchased your MetroCard? Here are some tips for use:
- In the metro, hold your card and put the yellow side on the turnstile side. Then slide it neither too fast nor too slowly.
- On the bus, simply swipe your card through the reader.
Also read: tips for taking the bus in New York.
Why is buying a MetroCard attractive?
With a MetroCard, you can make interesting savings. Indeed, if you opt for an unlimited MetroCard, it will quickly pay for itself: from 13 trips for the 7-day MetroCard and from 47 trips for the 30-day MetroCard.
If you plan to take the bus and metro on a regular basis, then go for the right MetroCard!
With the MetroCard, you can take the bus and the subway freely to travel New York up and down. Very practical, this magnetic card will allow you to save some money and don't forget! Taking the bus and the subway is ideal for getting around like a New Yorker!
