I wouldn't say that senior discount is for US citizens only.

There are many legal residents in this country that never took the citizenship test, yet worked, payed taxes and have what's called a green card and a SS#. When they retire or whatever they too could get one of the cards needed for discount. They get the same exact benefits as older Americans get.

Senior aged foreigners on vacation? don't know if they can get around this restrictions.

Bring your passport and show it to the attendant. If that doesn't work, nothing will. And there is no more authoritative statement of your age and identity than a passport issued by the government of the country in which you reside.

Thanks. It's for some non-English friends, . so I will let them know..

Let them know that MetroCard is the cheapest form of transportation they will find anywhere and encourage them to pay full price.

It's not that simple (besides the fact that there are fewer and fewer agents). You need to apply in advance and be approved, you can't just go up to the clerk at the booth.

From the MTA website:
A Reduced-Fare MetroCard is a personalized MetroCard with your name and photograph.You must apply for, and be approved to receive it.

Officially you need one of those specific IDs. Sometimes on buses, they just let people who obviously look older pay the half fare without showing any ID. At subway stations I suspect that some agents might allow it, some might not
No harm in suggesting that your friends show whatever ID they have, but they shouldn't count on it working. I assume that the reason other forms of ID are not included is that it would require the agent/driver to look at the specific birthdate,calculate, etc The IDs mentioned only can be obtained by someone who is eligible for the discount (seniors or disabled)

MFNYC, the reduced fare Metrocard is great, but there is an option for seniors to pay the full fare for subways and (with proper ID) get a free pass for the return. I agree that it can be tough these days to find an attended booth!

SueNYC I don't understand your post. Seniors who might be eligible should not use a discount? Just for subways or for anything that might be relatively cheap? I agree that even without a discount the fare is a better deal than taxis, for example.

I tried it with my mom at a booth. She looks like a senior and had a driver's license. No luck.

They have that deal in Wash DC also, it isn't really a simple age discount like you get at movie theaters, etc. where you get a discount whenever you want by showing some age ID (except on buses, I think). You have to apply and get some special electronic card you pay for to get the reduced fare in the metro.

Either way, it doesn't have anyting to do with where you live or your citizenship. But in DC they won't allow you do pay in cash except the bus because a machine can't check ID (where you get your metro cards/passes). That statement by NYC doesn't say anything at all about being a citizen (which would be irrelevant, if anything, it would be a resident), it just names some acceptable forms of ID (which you might not expect as they don't really prove age, a Medicare card doesn't, for example, as people can be on Medicare under age 65 but NYC also gives discounts for disabilities and that would be how you'd get Medicare).

If you look at the application you would send in (to get the card), it clearly gives it to anyone age 65 plus, you don't have to be a citizen (and it lists drivers license or passport as acceptable proof of age). I think that statement is just poorly written, those are acceptable but so are more ususual forms of ID that are govt issed and show age.

Thanks. I'll tell them if they find a manned booth to try it . Just so they understand in case it DOES work.. otherwise they would be even more confused!

I meant to say "non-English SPEAKING"

I've never seen an obvious senior denied a senior fare on a city bus. The subway is a different matter entirely. But to get the deal on the bus, they always need correct change in coins only.

Not sure if the rules have changed or how to get the discount at the booth but I was there as a foreign visitor in 2010 and I used the discount card. The card is obtainable in advance but the process seemed complicated. I went to the Transport office ( Stone Street? ) on my first day in New York, filled in the application, showed my passport and it was issued to me on the spot. The pass was a boon during my stay and I was very appreciative.