Metrocard's Ezpress Bus Compatibility: What You Need To Know

does unlimited metrocard work on ezpress bus

In New York, you can use a MetroCard to pay for rides on the subway and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses. However, you cannot use a regular Unlimited Ride MetroCard on express buses. If you wish to use an unlimited MetroCard on an express bus, you must purchase a 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard. This card offers unlimited rides on express buses, local buses, subways, and the Staten Island Railway. The cost of this card is $62, while the cost of a regular 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard is $34.

Characteristics Values
Can you use an unlimited MetroCard on an express bus? No, you can't use a regular unlimited MetroCard on an express bus. You can only use a 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard.
Cost of 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard $59.50, no reduced fare
Cost of express bus fare $5.50 to $7
Other ways to pay for express bus fare Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, exact change in coins (no pennies or bills)

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7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard costs and benefits

The 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard is good for unlimited express bus, local bus, and subway rides for 7 days from the first use. The card is protected against loss or theft when purchased at a vending machine with a credit or debit/ATM card. The card costs $59.50, with no reduced fare option.

The 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard is useful for commuters who need to use express buses, which are not well served by the subway. Express buses only run on a schedule during weekday rush hours. The express bus fare is $7, and you can pay with a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard or 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard.

The 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard is a good option for those who need to use express buses and want the convenience of unlimited rides. However, for those who do not need to use express buses, the regular 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard is a more cost-effective option at $32.

It's important to note that the 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard cannot be used for transfers between the subway and the bus. If you need to transfer between buses, you will need to ask the driver for a paper transfer when boarding the first bus.

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Regular Unlimited Ride MetroCard on express buses

In New York, there are several types of buses, including Select Bus Service (SBS), Limited (LTD), and Express buses. While the 7-Day and 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCards are valid for the former two, they are not accepted on Express buses.

Express buses are a faster way to travel between boroughs, and they often serve commuters in outlying areas that are not easily accessible by subway. The fare for an Express bus is $7, and you can pay with a 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard, a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, or exact change in coins.

The 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard costs $62 and offers unlimited rides on express buses, local buses, subways, and the Staten Island Railway for seven days from the first use. This card is a good option if you plan to use the Express bus regularly, but it is not cost-effective if you only need it occasionally.

If you have a Regular Unlimited Ride MetroCard and want to take an Express bus, you will have to pay the difference in fare. When transferring from a local bus or subway to an Express bus, you only need to pay the fare difference.

The OMNY fare-capping program, which grants free rides after a certain number of trips, does not currently apply to Express buses. However, the MTA is considering expanding the program to include these higher-priced bus trips.

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OMNY fare-capping pilot program

The OMNY fare-capping pilot program is a new initiative by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to encourage riders to use the New York City subway system. The program was introduced on February 28 and will last for at least four months.

The OMNY system is a tap-and-go fare payment method that can be used with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, wearable device, or OMNY card. OMNY cards can be purchased from vending machines at subway stations and retail locations for $1.

With the fare-capping pilot program, riders who use the OMNY system 12 times within a seven-day period will automatically receive a weekly unlimited pass for the rest of that week. This means that after 12 paid trips, the rest of the rides for the week will be free. The weekly fare cap is set at $34 for full-fare customers and $17 for registered Reduced-Fare customers.

The benefits of the fare-capping program are automatically accumulated, and there is no need for sign-up. Commuters will pay the standard fare of $2.90 per ride for their first 12 trips, after which their fare will be capped at $34, which is the same price as a weekly unlimited pass.

The OMNY fare-capping pilot program offers a more affordable, flexible, and fair way to pay for public transportation in New York City. It allows riders to pay for only the rides they take, without having to pre-pay for a weekly pass. This initiative by the MTA aims to provide a wide range of discounts and make public transportation more accessible and affordable for all.

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Express bus riders' concerns

Express bus riders in New York City have raised concerns about the incompatibility of unlimited MetroCards with their mode of transportation. The issue is that standard unlimited MetroCards cannot be used on express buses, requiring riders to purchase a separate 7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard. This limitation poses challenges for riders who occasionally use the express bus but do not find the dedicated weekly pass cost-effective.

The incompatibility of the standard unlimited MetroCard with express buses has sparked frustration among riders, particularly those who only occasionally use this service. These riders are faced with the inconvenience of having to carry multiple MetroCards or make additional payments when transferring from the subway or local bus to an express bus. The standard unlimited MetroCard's inability to cover express bus fares contradicts the principle of unlimited rides within the specified time frame, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among riders.

Another concern arises from the higher fare of express buses, which is $7 per ride for most riders. This amount is significantly higher than the local bus and subway fare of $2.90. Express bus riders feel the financial burden of this difference, especially when they make frequent trips or rely on this mode of transportation for their daily commute. The higher fare also discourages individuals from opting for express buses, potentially leading to longer travel times and increased congestion on alternative routes.

In response to these concerns, the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) has acknowledged the need to address the issue. They have stated that express bus riders can utilise the 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard, which offers unlimited rides on express buses, local buses, subways, and the Staten Island Railway. However, this option may not be cost-effective for occasional express bus riders, and they are seeking more flexible solutions.

The MTA is evaluating the possibility of expanding its OMNY fare-capping pilot program to include express bus trips. This program provides free rides after a certain number of trips within a given week, ensuring riders pay no more than a specified amount. However, as of August 2024, this program excluded express bus trips, which was a cause for concern among express bus riders who felt neglected by the MTA. They advocated for fare capping or off-peak discounts to alleviate the financial burden of higher express bus fares.

In conclusion, express bus riders in New York City have expressed concerns about the incompatibility of standard unlimited MetroCards with their mode of transportation, the higher fare for express buses, and the exclusion of express bus trips from the OMNY fare-capping program. These concerns highlight the need for more flexible and inclusive fare options that cater to the diverse travel needs of riders, ensuring that the cost of using express buses does not become a barrier to efficient and convenient transportation.

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30-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard

The 30-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard is a great option for those who need to use express buses, local buses, and the subway in New York City. This MetroCard provides unlimited rides on these transportation options for 30 days from the first use, giving commuters flexibility and convenience.

The 30-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard is perfect for those who regularly commute via express buses or need to use a combination of express and local buses and the subway. It offers a seamless way to navigate the city without the hassle of purchasing a new ticket every time. The card can be purchased at MetroCard vending machines, which are available at all subway stations and some retail locations.

It's important to note that the 30-day unlimited ride period starts from the first use and cannot be paused once activated. Additionally, the MetroCard can only hold one unlimited ride refill at a time. This means that if you already have an unlimited ride card and want to switch to the 30-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard, you'll need to wait until your current card expires.

The 30-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard is protected against loss or theft when purchased with a credit, debit, or ATM card at a vending machine. This provides commuters with added peace of mind, ensuring that their investment in the card is secure.

The cost of the 30-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard is $132, which is a significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each ride. This MetroCard is a cost-effective option for those who frequently use express buses or a combination of express and local buses and the subway.

In conclusion, the 30-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard is a convenient and affordable choice for commuters in New York City who rely on express buses or a mix of express and local buses and the subway to get around. With unlimited rides and protection against loss or theft, it offers a seamless and worry-free travel experience.

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Frequently asked questions

No, you can't use a regular unlimited MetroCard on an express bus. You can only use a 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard.

The 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard costs $59.50, with no reduced fare option.

You can buy the 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard at ticket machines.

Yes, you can pay with a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, exact change in coins, or buy an express bus ticket.

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