If you're planning a trip to New York City, you may be wondering whether the MetroCard works on the city's bus system. The short answer is yes – the 7-day unlimited MetroCard includes regular NYC transit buses but does not include private buses (such as those to and from airports) or express buses that operate outside Manhattan. The MetroCard can be used on all MTA buses and subways in the five boroughs, except for express and private buses. On most buses, you pay by inserting your MetroCard into a farebox near the driver as you board. However, on Select Bus Service routes, you can tap your MetroCard at the door or use a machine at the bus stop to receive a receipt to take on the bus.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can you use a MetroCard on the bus? | Yes |
Does it include all buses? | No, it doesn't include private buses or express buses |
How do you pay with a MetroCard on a Select Bus Service? | Insert your MetroCard into a machine at the bus stop and receive a slip of paper to take on the bus |
Can you use a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard on the bus? | Yes, but not on express buses |
Can you use a MetroCard on NJT? | No |
Can you use a MetroCard on the Beeline in Westchester? | Yes |
Can you use a MetroCard on the AirTrain JFK? | Yes |
Can you use a MetroCard on the Roosevelt Island Tram? | Yes |
Can you use a MetroCard on the Hudson Rail Link? | Yes |
What You'll Learn
- The 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs $30 and includes regular NYC transit buses
- MetroCards can be used on all MTA buses and subways in the five boroughs
- Express buses cost more and are not included in the 7-day unlimited MetroCard
- MetroCards can be used on Select Bus Service routes
- MetroCards can be used on OMNY readers on buses
The 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs $30 and includes regular NYC transit buses
The 7-day unlimited MetroCard is a great option for those wanting to travel around New York City with ease. For only $30, you can enjoy unlimited rides on regular NYC transit buses and the subway for seven days. This includes all MTA buses and subways in the five boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan.
The MetroCard is easy to use and offers a seamless travel experience. When boarding a local or limited bus, simply insert your MetroCard into the farebox near the driver, with the logo facing you and the black magnetic strip on the right side. For Select Bus Service (SBS) routes, you can tap your MetroCard at the door using the OMNY reader, a rectangular screen near the driver.
It's important to note that the 7-day unlimited MetroCard does not include private buses, such as those to and from airports or other cities, or express buses that operate between boroughs. If you need to take an express bus, you can do so by paying the fare difference when transferring from a local bus or subway.
The MetroCard also allows for unlimited transfers between buses and subways, making it a convenient option for those needing to use multiple modes of transportation. You can transfer from one line to another within the same station or at different stations without incurring any additional charges.
In addition to the 7-day unlimited MetroCard, there is also the option of the OMNY fare-capping program. With OMNY, you can use your contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or OMNY card to tap and pay as you go. You only pay for the trips you take, and once you reach $34 in fares within a 7-day period, all additional rides for the rest of the week are free.
So, whether you choose the 7-day unlimited MetroCard or the OMNY fare-capping option, you can explore New York City with ease and enjoy all that the city has to offer.
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MetroCards can be used on all MTA buses and subways in the five boroughs
MetroCards are a great way to get around New York City, and they can indeed be used on all MTA buses and subways in the five boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan. This includes both local and limited-stop buses, as well as the Select Bus Service (SBS) buses, which make fewer stops and travel on priority routes.
When using a MetroCard on a local or limited-stop bus, you will need to board through the front door and insert your card into the farebox near the driver, with the logo on the front facing you and the black magnetic strip on the right side. Your fare will automatically be deducted, and your card will pop back out.
For the Select Bus Service, there are two options for payment. At some stops, you will find ticket kiosks on the sidewalk, where you can insert your MetroCard and receive a paper ticket, which you will need to keep with you for the duration of your trip. At other stops, you can pay on the bus by inserting your MetroCard into the farebox, just like on local and limited-stop buses.
It's important to note that MetroCards cannot be used on express buses or private buses, such as those that go to and from airports or to other cities. Additionally, they are not valid on the PATH trains between New York City and New Jersey.
With a MetroCard, you can also transfer between MTA subway and bus transportation for free. For example, you can take the subway to 125th Street and then take the M60 bus to LaGuardia Airport without paying an additional fare.
So, if you're planning to explore New York City and take advantage of its extensive public transportation system, a MetroCard is a great option to keep in mind!
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Express buses cost more and are not included in the 7-day unlimited MetroCard
The 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard is a great option for those looking to travel around New York City. For $34, you can have unlimited swipes on the subway and local buses for seven days. This is a very convenient and cost-effective option for commuters and tourists alike, as it allows for seamless travel across the city without the hassle of purchasing a new card or ticket each time.
However, it is important to note that this card has some limitations. One notable exclusion is the express bus service. The express buses in NYC are designed to provide faster travel between boroughs and often operate only during weekday rush hours. These coach-style buses are more expensive than the regular buses, with a fare of $7 per ride, and they are not included in the 7-day unlimited MetroCard.
If you plan to use the express bus service, you will need to purchase a separate ticket or consider the 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard. This card provides unlimited swipes on express buses, local buses, and the subway for seven days. It is priced at $64, reflecting the additional cost of including express bus services.
The 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard is a good option for those who frequently use express buses and want the convenience of unlimited rides. However, it is important to be mindful of the limitations of this card as well. For example, you cannot transfer between the subway and bus with this fare. If you need to make such a transfer, you will need to request a paper transfer from the bus driver when boarding the first bus.
In conclusion, while the 7-day unlimited MetroCard is a great option for general travel around NYC, it does not include express buses. If you require express bus services, you will need to purchase the 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard or a separate ticket, keeping in mind the specific rules and limitations of each option.
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MetroCards can be used on Select Bus Service routes
Select Bus Service is faster and more reliable than local and limited-stop buses, partly because of off-board fare payment on most routes. Before boarding the bus, riders must pay their fares at a Select Bus Service station stop using a MetroCard or coin machine. They will then receive a receipt as proof of payment, which they must keep during their trip. This is because, on Select Bus Services, riders can enter or exit through any of the bus's doors.
Riders can also pay their fare using OMNY. OMNY is a contactless tap-to-pay system. Riders can use their own contactless card or mobile device, or an OMNY card, to tap and pay their fare. OMNY cards can be purchased from vending machines at many subway stations and hundreds of retail locations.
On Select Bus Service routes, riders can tap to pay with OMNY at the door. If you're using a MetroCard or coins, get a paper ticket from the kiosk before you board and keep it throughout your trip.
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MetroCards can be used on OMNY readers on buses
MetroCards are a convenient way to get around New York City, and they can indeed be used on OMNY readers on buses. Here's everything you need to know about using your MetroCard on the bus:
Using MetroCard on OMNY Readers
If you're riding a Select Bus Service (SBS) bus, you can take advantage of the OMNY readers on board. Simply skip the sidewalk kiosks and board the bus through any door. Then, tap your MetroCard on the OMNY reader, which is a rectangular screen located near the driver. This tap-to-pay method is a quick and easy way to pay your fare.
Other Ways to Pay with MetroCard
On local and limited buses without OMNY readers, you can still use your MetroCard to pay your fare. Board the bus through the front door and insert your MetroCard into the farebox near the driver. Make sure the logo on the front of your MetroCard is facing you, and the black magnetic strip is on the right side. Your fare will be automatically deducted, and your card will pop back out.
Transferring Between Buses and Subways
With your MetroCard, you can transfer from one local bus route to another or to a subway train for free. Your transfer is encoded on your MetroCard, so you can swipe it again without being charged. Transfers are valid for two hours after you pay your initial fare.
If you need to transfer from a local bus to an express bus, you can do so by paying the fare difference. However, keep in mind that the 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard is not valid on express buses.
MetroCard Fares
The fare for most riders on local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses is $2.90. Express buses have a higher fare of $7. If you're using a MetroCard, make sure you have enough value loaded onto it to cover your fare. You can check your balance at any MetroCard vending machine.
Where to Buy MetroCards
You can purchase MetroCards at vending machines in subway stations and bus sales buses and vans. They cost $1, and you can load them with the amount that suits your travel needs.
So, whether you're riding the bus or the subway, your MetroCard has you covered. Just make sure to follow the correct payment methods, and you'll be on your way in no time!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a MetroCard on the bus in New York City.
You can use a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard on regular NYC transit buses, but not on private buses (e.g. airport buses) or Express buses. You can also use a 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard on express buses, local buses, and the subway for 7 days.
You can pay your fare using a MetroCard on the bus or at a Select Bus Service station stop, depending on the route. On the bus, insert your MetroCard into the farebox near the driver, with the logo facing you and the black magnetic strip on the right side. At a Select Bus Service station, pay your fare at a MetroCard or coin machine and receive a receipt to take on the bus.