Riding The Bus: Metrocard Or No Metrocard?

If you're wondering whether you need a MetroCard to ride the bus, the answer is yes – but there are other options available to you. In New York City, you can pay your fare with a MetroCard, a SingleRide ticket, or exact change in coins (no pennies). You can also pay with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device. If you're riding a Select Bus Service (SBS) bus, you can skip the line at the front and board at any door using a contactless card or digital wallet.

Where can I buy a MetroCard?

Yes, you need a MetroCard to ride the bus in New York. OMNY is also accepted on all New York City buses. Fares can also be paid for with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, coins, or a SingleRide ticket.

You can buy a MetroCard from a MetroCard vending machine, which are available in most New York subway stations. These machines accept cash and credit/debit cards. A new MetroCard costs $1 and the minimum value you can put on a new card is $5.80.

You can also buy a MetroCard from:

• Selected local merchants
• Mobile service vehicles
• Through employers with pre-tax transit benefits programs
• The Metro Sales Office Mercantile Center Arcade
• Ticket Vending Machines (these are available 24/7)
• Various sales offices and commuter stores in Washington, D.C. and Maryland

What type of MetroCard should I get?

When it comes to choosing the right MetroCard for your needs, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can opt for a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, which allows you to load it with as many rides as you like, with each ride costing $2.75. This type of MetroCard offers a 5% bonus; for example, if you put $25 on your card, you will receive an additional $1.25.

Alternatively, you can choose an Unlimited Ride MetroCard, which offers unlimited rides for a set period, such as 7 or 30 days. As of 2017, a 7-day pass costs $32, while a 30-day pass is $121, unless you qualify for reduced rates. The reduced rates are available for people with disabilities and those over 65. This pass includes rides on local buses and subways.

If you plan to use express buses, you can purchase an Unlimited Ride Express Bus MetroCard for $59.90, which is valid for 7 days and includes express buses, local buses, and the subway.

It's worth noting that MetroCards can be purchased from vending machines in bus and subway stations, as well as local stores. They cost $1 and are also available from MetroCard buses and vans that visit the main bus routes once a month.

How do I pay for my ticket?

You can pay for your bus ticket in New York City using a MetroCard, OMNY, coins, or a SingleRide ticket. You can also use a credit or debit card, your smartphone, or a wearable device.

Paying with MetroCard

If you're paying with a MetroCard, you'll need to insert it into the farebox near the driver. Make sure the front of the card is facing you and the black strip is on the right.

Paying with OMNY

OMNY is a contactless tap-to-pay system. You can use your own contactless card, smartphone, or wearable device, or an OMNY card, which you can buy from vending machines at many subway stations and retail locations. Tap your card or device at the OMNY reader, a rectangular screen near the driver, as you enter the bus.

Paying with coins

You can also pay with coins at a coin machine at a Select Bus Service station. You'll receive a receipt as proof of payment, which you should keep with you during your ride as it may be checked by inspectors.

SingleRide ticket

SingleRide tickets are available if you don't want to buy a MetroCard. These cost $3 and include one transfer.

How do I request a transfer ticket?

To request a transfer ticket when riding the bus, you must first know what type of bus you are riding.

Local, SBS, and Limited Buses

If you are riding a local, SBS, or limited bus, you can request a transfer ticket from the bus operator when you board the bus. You will need to pay with coins to obtain a transfer ticket.

Express Buses

If you are transferring to an express bus from a local bus or the subway, you only need to pay the fare difference. You do not need a transfer ticket.

Select Bus Service (SBS) Buses

If you are transferring to an SBS bus from a local or limited bus, you will need to obtain an SBS ticket from a sidewalk kiosk before boarding the SBS bus. You will not need to request a transfer ticket from the bus operator.

OMNY or MetroCard

If you are using OMNY or a MetroCard to pay your fare, you do not need a paper ticket to transfer to another bus. Simply use the same card or device throughout your journey, and transfers will be applied automatically.

How do I indicate that I want to get off the bus?

To indicate that you want to get off the bus, you can use a combination of verbal and non-verbal cues. Here are some ways to signal your intention:

• Verbal indication: You can verbally express your desire to get off the bus by saying something like, "I would like to get off at the next stop, please." This is a clear and direct way to communicate your intention to the bus driver and other passengers.
• Visual indication: Look for mounted yellow tape strips, a yellow cord along the windows, or a red stop button on the grab bars. When your desired stop is approaching, you can push, pull, or press these indicators to signal to the driver that you need to disembark. This is a standard way to request a stop on most buses.
• Gestures and body language: If you are unable to verbally communicate or are not close enough to the indicators, you can use gestures or body language to indicate your intention. For example, you could wave to the bus driver and point towards the door or make a stopping motion with your hand. These gestures are universally understood and can effectively convey your desire to get off the bus.
• Use of a bell or signal: Some buses have a bell or signal rope that passengers can use to notify the driver that they want to disembark. Look for a rope or button near the doors or seats, and give it a gentle pull or press to indicate your intention to get off.
• Written indication: If you are unable to communicate verbally or are not comfortable doing so, you can write down your request on a piece of paper or use pre-written signs that say, "Please stop at the next bus stop." Show this to the driver or a nearby passenger, who can then notify the driver on your behalf.

Remember to be mindful of other passengers and give a clear and timely indication of your intention to get off the bus. This will help the bus driver plan accordingly and ensure a smooth journey for everyone on board.

Frequently asked questions