Dollar Coins On Mta Buses: Do They Work?

If you're planning to take the bus, it's important to know what kind of payment methods are accepted. In New York City, the MTA accepts a variety of payment options for bus fares, including OMNY, MetroCard, coins, and SingleRide tickets. While some sources suggest that dollar coins are accepted on MTA buses, it's always a good idea to check the official MTA website or reach out to their customer service for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Additionally, it's worth noting that certain coins, such as pennies and half-dollars, are discouraged or not accepted on buses in some cities like Baltimore.

Dollar coins are accepted on MTA buses

On MTA buses, you can pay your fare with exact change in coins. You can also pay with a MetroCard, OMNY, or SingleRide ticket. If you are paying with coins, you must board the bus through the front door and insert your exact change into the farebox. The fare for most riders is $2.90 for local, SBS, and limited buses, and $7 for express buses.

It is important to note that you cannot use dollar coins to buy a fare at a vending machine, and no change is provided on the bus if you pay in cash. Additionally, you cannot use half-dollar coins on MTA buses.

If you are transferring from one local bus route to another, you can ask the bus operator for a printed transfer. This transfer is free if you paid your fare in coins and is good for two hours from when you paid the fare.

Dollar coins are not accepted at vending machines

Dollar Coins Not Accepted at Vending Machines

The reason for this non-acceptance of dollar coins in vending machines is often attributed to the vending machine industry imposing what payment methods consumers can use. If the government were to discontinue printing one-dollar bills and solely produce one-dollar coins, the vending machine industry would have no choice but to accept them. However, this scenario is unlikely as the Crane Paper Company in Massachusetts, which produces 95% of the paper for US dollar bills, holds significant influence in Washington, DC.

Additionally, vending machine companies may be reluctant to modify their machines to accept dollar coins, especially if the machines can also take dollar bills. Modifying the machines to accept dollar coins would require programming changes to the module and, in some cases, physical modifications to the slot and change mechanism. As dollar bills are more widely circulated, it may not be worth the added cost for vending machine owners to make these adjustments.

Furthermore, the circulation of dollar coins has historically been low. When the design of the half-dollar coin changed in 1964 to honour JFK, people hoarded them, believing they were rare. This resulted in the coin being rarely spent, and the same could be true for dollar coins today. Overall, while dollar coins are a valid form of payment for bus fares, they are not accepted at vending machines due to a combination of industry influence, circulation issues, and the potential costs of modifying machines.

No change is given on MTA buses

When riding MTA buses, it's important to remember that no change is given on board. This means that if you're paying your fare in cash, you'll need to have the exact amount ready when you board the bus. While dollar coins are accepted on MTA buses, you'll need to insert the exact fare into the farebox, as bus drivers cannot provide any change.

To ensure a smooth boarding process and avoid delays, it's best to have your payment method ready before getting on the bus. This could include having the exact change in coins, a MetroCard, or using a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device with OMNY. OMNY readers are rectangular screens located near the driver, where you can tap your card or device to pay.

If you're using a MetroCard, insert it into the farebox with the logo facing you and the black magnetic strip on the right side. Your fare will be automatically deducted, and your card will be returned. It's important to note that you cannot use a regular Unlimited Ride MetroCard on express buses. For those, you'll need a 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard.

Additionally, if you're paying with coins, there is a maximum of 25 coins allowed, and you'll need to insert them into the farebox one by one. This applies to both local and limited buses, which have a fare of $2.90 for most riders, as well as express buses, which have a higher fare of $7.

By following these instructions and being prepared with the exact change or other accepted payment methods, you can ensure a smooth and efficient boarding process when riding MTA buses.

Susan B. Anthony dollar coins are accepted on Baltimore's MTA

The Baltimore Metro, which opened in 1984, used the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin as tokens to buy tickets. It became the largest single user of these dollar coins in its history.

In general, MTA buses in New York City accept OMNY, MetroCard, coins, or SingleRide tickets. Local and SBS buses cost $2.90 for most riders, while express buses cost $7.

Baltimore's MTA discourages pennies and half-dollars

The Mass Transit Administration (MTA) in Baltimore is discouraging the use of pennies and half-dollars in automatic fare counters from May 31, 1992. While pennies and half-dollars will still be accepted, the MTA is asking bus passengers not to use them. Dianna Rosborough, an MTA spokeswoman, said that using pennies takes a lot of effort and causes delays for other passengers. The MTA wants to standardize its payment system and make coin sorting more efficient, keeping costs down and reducing mistakes.

The MTA's request that passengers refrain from using pennies means that riders will have to give up a popular coin, albeit not a very profitable one. MTA buses average 81,512 pennies a day, amounting to only about $815. In comparison, the agency collects nearly $73,000 in $1 and $5 bills daily from all bus and subway users.

The situation with half-dollars is different. The MTA only receives about 132 half-dollars per day from bus and rail travelers. Additionally, a new student token, which will replace the MTA's student passes, is similar in size to a John F. Kennedy half-dollar. There is concern that change machines will mistake the two.

While the MTA discourages pennies and half-dollars, it will still accept them. Passengers can continue to use tokens, tickets, and monthly passes. The MTA assures that no one will be inconvenienced, and they just want to bring uniformity to the system, especially with the introduction of the light rail.

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