Navigating Nyc: Understanding The Bus System

how do buses work in nyc

New York City's public bus system is extensive, with over 14,000 bus stops across the five boroughs. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the city's public buses, which are accessible to riders with disabilities. Bus fares can be paid using a MetroCard, OMNY, coins, or a SingleRide ticket. The base fare is $2.75, with discounted rates for seniors and people with disabilities. Buses are a great way to get around NYC, offering scenic views and a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Characteristics Values
Bus operator New York City Transit, a division of the MTA
Number of bus stops Over 14,000
Bus stop locations Street corners
Bus stop signage Yellow painted curb and a sign displaying a bus emblem and route number
Bus stop shelters Available at some stops, with large ads
Bus types Local, Select Bus Service (SBS), Limited (LTD), and Express
Bus routes Designated by a letter followed by a number; "M" for Manhattan, "B" for Brooklyn, "Bx" for the Bronx, "Q" for Queens, "S" for Staten Island, and "X" for express routes
Bus fares $2.75-$7, depending on the bus type and rider category; OMNY, MetroCard, coins, or SingleRide ticket are accepted
Bus schedule Available on the MTA app and website, with real-time service information
Bus boarding Front doors for local and limited buses, all doors for SBS buses
Bus etiquette Keep the front seats available for those who need them, don't block seats or aisles, and exit through the rear doors
Bus stops upon request Available from 10 pm to 5 am, upon request to the bus operator

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Fares and payment methods

The cost of riding a bus in New York City depends on the type of bus. Local, SBS, and Limited buses cost $2.90 for most riders, while express buses cost $7. The Q70-LaGuardia Link service to and from LaGuardia Airport is fare-free.

There are several ways to pay your fare on a New York City bus. OMNY is accepted on all buses, allowing riders to pay with their phone, credit or debit card, or other wearable devices. Riders can also pay with a MetroCard, coins, or a SingleRide ticket.

If you are riding a Select Bus Service (SBS) bus, you must pay your fare before boarding the bus at a Select Bus Service station stop using a MetroCard or coin machine. You will receive a receipt as proof of payment, which you must keep during your ride as it may be requested by MTA inspectors. On some SBS buses with OMNY readers, you can skip the sidewalk kiosks and board through any door, tapping your card or smart device on the OMNY reader.

When riding a local or limited bus, you can pay with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device by tapping it at the OMNY reader near the driver. You can also insert a MetroCard into the farebox near the driver, with the front of the card facing you and the black strip on the right. If paying with coins, you must have the exact change and board through the front door.

Purchasing MetroCards and SingleRide Tickets

MetroCards and SingleRide tickets can be purchased from vending machines in bus stations and subways, or from local stores. The first time you buy a MetroCard, it costs $1, and there is a minimum value of $5.50 on the card. SingleRide tickets cost $3 and include one transfer. You can also pay with cash on the bus, but you must have the exact change in quarters, dimes, and nickels, as bus operators don't make change and fare boxes don't accept dollar bills or pennies.

There are two types of MetroCards: Pay-Per-Ride and Unlimited Ride. With Pay-Per-Ride, you can choose how many rides you want to add, with each ride costing $2.75. The Unlimited Ride MetroCard allows you to ride as often as you like within a fixed time period, such as seven days or 30 days. There is also an Unlimited Ride Express Bus MetroCard for $59.90, which includes express buses.

Transfers

You can transfer for free between most buses with intersecting routes. If you pay for your ticket on the bus or use a SingleRide ticket, request a transfer ticket from the driver. Transfers are valid for up to one or two hours, depending on the route, and are only valid in one direction. If you are using a MetroCard, your connecting transfer data is encoded on the card, and you can transfer to the subway or another bus by using your MetroCard.

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Boarding the bus

When the bus you want arrives, stay on the curb until it has stopped and the doors open. All buses can ''kneel' by tilting towards the curb to make boarding easier. If you are using a wheelchair, the bus operator can operate the wheelchair lift at the rear of the bus.

Enter the bus through the front doors. You will need to pay your fare here, either with a MetroCard, OMNY, or in exact change in coins.

If you are using a MetroCard, insert it into the farebox with the logo facing you and the black magnetic strip on the right. Your fare will be deducted automatically, and the card will pop back out.

If you are paying with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device, tap it at the OMNY reader, a rectangular screen near the driver, as you enter.

If you are paying with coins, insert them into the farebox. The bus operator does not give change, and the farebox does not accept dollar bills or pennies.

If you are transferring from another bus or the subway, you can use the same MetroCard or device, and transfers will be applied automatically.

If you are using a SingleRide ticket, request a transfer ticket from the driver after you pay your fare. Transfers are allowed only to continue your trip in a single direction and are only valid for one or two hours, depending on the type of bus.

Once you have paid your fare, move to the back of the bus to make room for other passengers. Take a seat, or use the grab bars for balance if you need to stand. Keep your belongings out of the aisles, and fold up any strollers.

If the bus is busy, you may need to stand. In this case, use the grab bars for balance and be mindful of other passengers and their personal space.

If you are unsure whether the bus goes to your desired destination, ask the driver. They will know how to get around the city and can help you.

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Requesting a stop

If you are unsure whether the bus will stop where you need to go, you can ask the driver. You can also ask the driver to let you know when you get to a certain stop, or to announce a particular stop.

It is recommended that you signal for a stop about a block before your desired stop. The bus will then stop at the route's next designated stop, which are located roughly every 2-3 blocks.

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Bus routes and schedules

New York City's public bus system is extensive, with over 14,000 bus stops across the five boroughs. Bus routes are designated by a letter followed by a number, with the letter indicating the borough: "M" for Manhattan, "B" for Brooklyn, "Bx" for the Bronx, "Q" for Queens, and "S" for Staten Island. Routes with an ""X" prefix are express routes.

Most bus stops have a "Guide-A-Ride," a rectangular box displaying route maps and schedules. Some stops serve multiple bus routes, so it's important to check that the bus you want is stopping there. Buses display their route number on the front, and sometimes the back.

To plan your route, you can use the Metropolitan Transport Authority's trip planner or download the MTA's official MYmta app. You can also purchase a pocket-sized map at bookstores and convenience stores.

Buses generally run every 5 to 15 minutes, with longer intervals depending on the time of day. They operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though not all routes offer overnight service.

Select Bus Service (SBS) buses have off-board fare payment on most routes, which makes them faster and more reliable. Riders pay their fares on the sidewalk at a Select Bus Service station stop using a MetroCard or coin machine and receive a receipt as proof of payment. They can then board through any door and show their receipt if requested by an MTA inspector.

On some SBS routes, you can skip the sidewalk kiosks and board through any door using a contactless card or digital wallet by tapping your card or device on the OMNY reader.

Local buses and limited-stop buses (which make fewer stops, usually at major intersections and attractions) have on-board fare payment. You can pay with a MetroCard, OMNY, coins, or a SingleRide ticket.

Express buses, which run between boroughs and often only during weekday rush hours, cost more than local and limited-stop buses.

All MTA buses are accessible for riders who use wheelchairs.

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Accessibility

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has been working to improve accessibility across its services, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

Accessible travel by bus

All MTA buses are accessible for riders who use a wheelchair. Bus drivers will assist riders with using the wheelchair lift, which is located at the rear of the bus. Additionally, some buses kneel, or tilt toward the curb, to make boarding easier.

Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service

The MTA also provides Access-A-Ride (AAR) Paratransit Service for customers with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using public buses and subways. This service is available 24/7, within NYC's five boroughs and some areas of Nassau and Westchester counties. Participants can book and manage trips online, and fares are the same as those on public transit.

Reduced-Fare

The MTA also offers reduced fares for seniors and customers with qualifying disabilities.

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