The fare is $2.00 per ride. Tokens are no longer available.
METROCARDS (see photo at left) Available in several varieties and include free transfers between buses or between a bus and a subway, within two hours.
PAY PER RIDE METROCARD Available in any amount starting at $2.00. The single ride card issued by vending machines is only valid if used immediately after purchase, and only within the subway. Any purchase of $10 or more includes a bonus value added to the card. Cards at pre-valued amounts may also be purchased from many local merchants (news dealers, check cashing stores, delis etc.). Up to 4 people may share pay per ride cards if enough value is on the card, and it will retain as many free transfers -- BUT there is a drawback here, see below.
UNLIMITED USE METROCARD Available in amounts of $70 for 30 days, $21 for 7 days (both 30 and 7 day cards expire at midnight on the set number of days after the first use) and the $7 Fun Pass (valid all day between midnight to 3 am the next morning). Fun Passes and single ride cards are the only cards not available from station attendants, but all types are generally available from station vending machines and tourist locations. The cards offer great value if you make 42 or more rides per month, 13 or more rides in a week, or 5 or more rides in a day. The cards have one limitation - to prevent sharing there is an 18 minute delay before it may be reused.
Private express buses do cost more and deduct that amount from the pay per ride cards. One caveat -- if 4 people use a pay-per-ride card, 4 transfers will be placed onto that one card. Even if only one person uses the card to transfer to an express bus, the rider will be charged 4 express bus fares less a credit for the free transfers. For example: 4 people start on a train or local bus. That includes 4 free transfers or a transfer credit on an express bus. One person continues on an express, but the card has in its memory 4 transfers that must be used. The rider will be charged for 4 express bus fares.
Seniors and the disabled pay half price transit fares, but must apply for a photo MetroCard to obtain all of the benefits.
The MetroCard uses a magnetic stripe to register data, and it is sensitive to scratches. Keep it away from keys! If damaged, an agent will be able to look up the serial number to check the current value. Cards do expire within a year, but any remaining value may be shifted to another card during a grace period. Any more questions? The MTA has a toll free number -- 800-METROCARD.
