Express Buses In Nyc: Free Or Not?

New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates a range of express bus routes, which are typically used by commuters and are more expensive than local buses. The express bus fare is $7 for most riders, compared to $2.90 for local buses. Express buses are not included in the MTA's free transfer system, and they require an unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard. They are also not included in the OMNY fare-capping program.

How much do express buses cost in NYC?

As of August 2023, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) fare for express buses in New York City is $7. This is a $0.25 increase from the previous fare of $6.75. The new fare applies to most riders and took effect on Sunday, August 20, 2023, marking the first time that commuters have experienced a price hike since before the pandemic.

For those with a 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard, the express bus can be used without additional charges. However, it is important to note that this pass does not allow for transfers between the subway and the bus. If you are transferring between buses, you will need to request a paper transfer from the bus operator when boarding the first bus.

Additionally, infants under two years old can ride express buses for free when seated on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

Payment Methods:

Express bus fares can be paid using various methods, including:

• Contactless credit/debit card
• Smartphone or wearable device
• OMNY card
• MetroCard
• Exact change in coins

Where do express buses depart from in NYC?

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates 80 express bus routes in New York City. These buses run between boroughs and look like coach buses. They usually operate only during weekday rush hours and are not recommended for tourists as they have very few stops.

Express buses in Manhattan bear the letter 'M' before the number and run in one direction, either North to South or South to North. Northbound buses are located on 1st, 3rd, Madison, 6th, 8th, and 10th Avenues. Southbound buses are on 2nd, Lexington, 5th, 7th, Broadway, and 9th Avenues. There are also buses that run West to East. Some streets served include 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 49th, 57th, 65th, 79th, and 96th Streets.

The MTA also operates seven express routes in Brooklyn and Queens, which are prefixed with the letter 'X', and all express routes in Staten Island, which are prefixed with the letters 'SIM'.

The NYC Express Bus provides airport transportation to and from Manhattan and JFK & LaGuardia Airports. It departs to Grand Central & Times Square in the heart of Manhattan, 7 days a week from 11 am to 7 pm.

What are the rules for riding an express bus in NYC?

Rules for Riding an Express Bus in NYC

Riding an express bus in NYC is pretty similar to riding any other bus, but there are some differences. Here are the rules you need to follow when riding an express bus in NYC.

Boarding the Bus

Firstly, stay on the curb until the express bus stops and the doors open. All express buses can ""kneel", meaning they can tilt towards the curb to make boarding easier. If you are unable to walk up the steps, you can board using the wheelchair lift at the rear of the bus. The bus operator will be able to help you with this.

When boarding, you must enter through the front doors. This is because you pay your fare at the front of the bus. Boarding at the back can confuse the driver and other passengers.

Paying Your Fare

You have several options when it comes to paying your fare. You can pay with a MetroCard, OMNY card, coins, or a SingleRide ticket. You can also use your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, or wearable device. The fare for an express bus is $7 for most riders. Infants under two years old ride for free if they are seated on the lap of a fare-paying adult. People who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability are eligible for reduced fare.

If you are using a MetroCard, insert it into the farebox near the driver with the logo facing you and the black strip on the right. If you are paying with coins, board via the front door and insert your exact change into the farebox.

Requesting a Stop

To let the driver know that you want to get off at the next stop, you can push one of the mounted yellow tape strips, pull a yellow cord along the windows, or press a red stop button on one of the grab bars. You need to signal to the driver about one block before your desired stop.

From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., you can ask the bus operator to let you off at locations that aren't official bus stops. They will find a safe place to stop the bus along the route. This service is only available on local bus routes and express bus routes during their non-express segments.

Exiting the Bus

To exit the bus, use the rear doors. A green light will come on above these doors to indicate that they can be opened. On some buses, these doors will open automatically when you press the tape strip located on them.

Other Rules

• Keep seats at the front available for people who need them and surrender these seats upon request.
• Do not stand in the stairwell or doorway while the bus is moving.
• Keep the aisles clear – don't block them with your belongings or by standing in them.
• Fold up strollers and keep them folded during your ride.
• Do not talk to the bus driver while the bus is moving.

What are the express bus routes in NYC?

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates 80 express bus routes in New York City. Here is a list of some of the express bus routes in NYC:

Manhattan to Staten Island

• Most routes travel to and from Staten Island via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Gowanus Expressway, and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel into Lower Manhattan.
• Some routes operate through New Jersey via the Goethals Bridge, New Jersey Turnpike, New Jersey Route 495, and Lincoln Tunnel to directly serve Midtown Manhattan.
• All routes are operated by New York City Transit.
• All routes run during rush hours in the peak direction.

Staten Island to Manhattan

• SIM1C, SIM3C, SIM4C and SIM33C provide off-peak weekday and weekend service, and the SIM1C provides overnight service.
• These four -C routes cover most stops in Manhattan served by other routes during peak hours.

Manhattan to Brooklyn

• X- routes are operated by New York City Transit, while BM-routes are operated by MTA Bus Company.
• All routes operate non-stop between Brooklyn and Manhattan via the Gowanus Expressway or Prospect Expressway to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, with some routes continuing non-stop via the FDR Drive to reach Midtown.
• The exception to this is the BM5, which also makes stops in Queens and uses Woodhaven Boulevard, the Long Island Expressway, and Queens Midtown Tunnel to reach Midtown.

Manhattan to the Bronx

• All routes are operated by MTA Bus.
• Select weekday trips operate non-stop via Major Deegan Expressway, bypassing Inwood.

Manhattan intra-borough

• Operated by MTA New York City Transit.
• Special event service only, with fares collected only for travel to Randall's Island.
• M35 local bus service is available full-time.

New York to New Jersey

• You can travel to New York from throughout New Jersey on many bus routes.
• Some of the major routes serving New York include Irvington-New York, New York-IKEA-Jersey Gardens, Bridgewater-New York, Perth Amboy-New York, and Somerville-New York Express (Weekdays Peak Hours only).

How do I pay for an express bus in NYC?

Express buses in New York City are not free. The standard fare is $7. However, infants under two years old can ride for free if they are seated on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

There are several ways to pay your fare on an express bus in NYC. You can use a MetroCard, OMNY, coins, or a SingleRide ticket. Here are the detailed instructions for each payment method:

MetroCard

Insert your MetroCard into the farebox near the driver, with the logo on the front of the card facing you and the black magnetic strip on the right side. Your fare will be automatically deducted, and the card will pop back out. You can buy a MetroCard from vending machines at subway stations for $1.

OMNY (contactless card or mobile device)

Tap your contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device at the OMNY reader, a rectangular screen located immediately after you enter the bus. You can also get an OMNY card from vending machines at many subway stations and retail locations for $1.

Coins

Insert your exact change into the farebox near the driver. The farebox accepts a maximum of 25 coins, and no change is provided.

SingleRide Ticket

You can purchase a SingleRide ticket from a ticket kiosk on the sidewalk near the bus stop. Press the start button, insert your MetroCard, and then take the printed ticket. Keep the ticket with you throughout your trip.

Frequently asked questions