Wanna explore and navigate the New York City? Whether you are a tourist or even a New York city local, exploring different places is going to be definitely happening. Moreover, for navigating through the beautiful landscape of the city, the lifeline of New York, that is subway, is the best option. After all, it is called the “lifeline” of the city for a reason! Furthermore, billions and millions of people conveniently travel every day within the city through this iconic transport system. Notably, to get in, a Metro Card is all what you need. Therefore, in this blog, you will learn everything you need to know about this ticket to get in and how much is a metro card in New York. Let’s get started!
What is New York City MTA?
In the United States (US), the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) serves as the largest public transport. The Authority was established in the year 1965. And, since then, it is responsible for managing the most important transportation services. It is available in the New York City for millions of people to commute. Notably, the transport services provided by the MTA play a vital role in lives of people living there. Not just for locals, even the tourists find MTA services to be the best option to travel across the city. Interestingly, to avoid unfair payments, the Authority has made the use of metro card mandatory. This MTA metro card is truly iconic since it is used for across most of the transport services in the city.
Key Transportation Services by MTA
- MTA Buses
- Metro North Railroad
- New York City Subway
- Long Island Rail Road
- Staten Island Railway
Which Transport Services Accept MTA Metro Card?
The most convenient way to travel across the city is to take a subway. The NYC Subway covers Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten, The Bronx and Queens. To get in a subway, the MTA metro card is a must. It is the ticket to get you in. People who want to use the Staten Island Railway, they have to use their Metro Cards at St. George. Moreover, they also use it at Tompkinsville Stations.
The MTA bus services are also of different types. There are MTA local buses which require the use of metro cards. However, if riders are transferring between the subway and the bus within 2 hours, then there are no such fares. Notably, they provide free transfers. Additionally, metro cards are used at fare machines before boarding on Select Bus Services. This bus service travels to limited stops. Long Distance buses also require this mode of fare payment however the fares are higher due to long routes.
Which Transport Services Do not Accept Metro Cards?
Unlike NYC subway, Staten Island Railway and MTA bus services there are some transportation systems that use their own ticketing system. Therefore, for these services, commuters can not use their metro cards to pay for their fares. These transportation services are:
- Metro – North Rail road
- Long Island Rail Road
- Path Trains
Types of MTA Metro Cards
For those who travel across the New York City on a daily basis, or for Tourists it is necessary to know that there are various types of metro cards. The types of metro cards that are most commonly used in the New York City are:
- Pay-per-ride metro card – Notably, this type of metro card is only for those who travel less or occasionally use the MTA transportation services. Hence, if you are a tourist and looking for a suitable way to pay fairly for your fares to explore the city, this is the best option for you.
- Single Ride Ticket – These kind of tickets/metro cards are meant to expire within two hours of purchase. These tickets are non-transferable. Hence, valid only for one ride.
- Unlimited Ride Metro Card – After taking this metro card, you do not have to purchase tickets on a daily basis. Through this type of metro card, you can conveniently travel unlimited times. Hence, it is best for frequent travellers. Not ideal for tourists.
- Easy Pay Metro card – After getting this type of card, commuters do not have to re-charge/re-fill it. It means that the card is basically linked to your debit/credit card. Thus, when the balance gets low, the charge automatically gets re-charged.
- Reduced Fare Metro Card – This card is only for travellers who are above a certain age. This age is noted to be 65+. Moreover, specially abled people also get the privilege of getting this card. Notably, these certain groups can only get this card post the approval of MTA. The advantage of this card is that the people who have this card only have to pay half fares for their rides.
How much is a Metro Card in New York
For different types of metro cards, there are different amounts you have to keep in mind. Let us discuss the usual metro card prices in the city of New York:
- Pay-per-ride metro card – for these metro travels, amount ranging from $5.80 to $80 can be loaded. Moreover, per ride it would cost you $2.90
- Single Ride Ticket – it costs $3.25
- Unlimited Ride Metro Card – if you want to re-charge for 7 days, it will cost you $34. Furthermore, for 30 day travel, you will have to pay $132 in which you can have unlimited rides.
Ways to Purchase a Metro Card
There are a few ways through which you can easily buy a metro card for your next travels. One of the most common and basic way to get a metro card is to use a vending machine that is available on all subway stations. Moreover, one of the best part about these vending machines is that instructions on these machines are available in various languages. Furthermore, you can pay through cash/debit cards/credit cards/ contactless. Then, select what type of card you want. Afterwards, select/enter the amount and make payment. It won’t be difficult for you to pay as the screen on the machines instruct you really well. After all this process, you can collect your metro card dispensed from the machine.
Note– do not forget to collect the receipt.
In addition, there are booths available are various stations that are guided by staffs. You can take help from them and buy a metro card.
Interestingly, there are some stores also available in the city that serve as the retail stores for metro cards.
Through MTA’s website, you can apply to purchase a metro card. However, through this way, you can only purchase the easy pay type card.
Payment Options
To purchase a metro card in NYC, you can use the following payment methods:
- Cash
- Credit Cards
- Debit Cards
- Mobile Wallets
However, the payment methods also depend on different locations and machines.
Are Metro Card Sales Ending?
Is is to be noted that MTA is launching the OMNY payment system which is contactless. Therefore, expectedly, by the end of 2025, the sales of metro card will end.
Conclusion
A metro card in the city of New York provides convenience in exploring the city. Moreover, for daily travellers as well as tourists, it is truly the best way to travel across the city. The MTA transportation services like MTA buses, subway, Staten Island Railway, etc accept these metro cards as the mode for commuters to pay the fare. There are different types of metro cards for which you have to pay different amounts:
Pay per ride metro card – per ride costs $2.90 and the card can be loaded from $5.80 to $80. A single ride ticket costs $3.25. If you want you charge your unlimited ride metro card for 7 days, load it for $34. Whereas, for 30 days, the amount required to be loaded is $132.