williamston

Can I purchase say $50 on a single card & then use it on other family members also or do they each need an additional metrocard?

bill_boy

The one and the same card is fine for usage by multiple members (just don't buy the unlimited cards).

DebitNM

The unlimited card can be used by only one person at a time and cannot be used again at the same station or same bus route for 18 minutes.

The Pay per ride card can be used to pay for up to 4 people at a time.

For complete comparison:

http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/metrocard/compare.htm

Just to prevent losing the card and all the money on it, maybe it's better to buy 2 $20 cards [that will give you 12 rides each card].

Hope this helps...
Debi

BudgetQueen

There is no need to have big money tied up in Metro cards. You will be walking right past the machines every subway trip. When you get low, buy another card. This card can be used multiple times until the money runs out.

Determine if it makes more sense to buy a fun pass for everyone at $7 each- unlimited rides for a day, or $28/week. It can add up with pay as you go, if you are moving about.

bill_boy

It's better to plan and buy the biggest amount that you'll need for you stay.

Why? Because there's a 20% discount on 12 and 24 ride cards.

ellenem

I've never seen or heard of a "12 or 24 ride card."

For pay as you go Metrocards, there is a bonus fare for every $10 dollars you spend. The machines offer automatic choices of a $10 card (you get 5 rides plus 1 ride extra) or a $20 card (10 rides plus 2 rides extra). You can choose to buy other amounts on the card--these two choices are preset options.

DebitNM

shoot. I meant 6 [5 rides w/ 1 free bonus] or 12 [10 rides with 2 free bonus] ride which is the 20% bonus when you buy a $10 or $20 card.

Sorry about that!

DebitNM

DUH ! having a moment here...you weren't correcting me! ellenem has it right.

bill_boy

I'm just used to buying monthly unlimited cards. Anyway, you can buy as much as $40 in one card - especially if you want to save yourself the time of going to the vending machine to refill your $10 card.

The $40 worth Metrocard includes an additional 20% more rides (20% bonus), or 4 more rides = total of 24 paid rides.

claire_bluesky

On our recent first trip to NYC, we walked a lot more than I anticipated even though our hotel was very close to two stations. We bought the $10 cards for our visit of four nights/five days, and each had one ride left. One day we took taxis because it was raining.

I suppose it depends a lot on where you're staying and your destinations.

djkbooks

Depending upon the size of your family, it may be more practical and economical to take taxis, if you can all fit into one.

We prefer the buses to the subway as the stops are more conveniently located, and you don't have to deal with the stairways and hallways (etc.).

We got discouraged with metrocards when the Funpass fare increased from $4/day to $7/day. Though we visit NYC several times a year, it's difficult to guestimate trips on bus/metro and the cards expire too soon, in my opinion.

barnumbailey

My husband and I are visiting for 5 days & staying in Times Square. I was thinking of doing the $28 unlimited, but it sounds like that might not be the best bet. Anyone agree/disagree?

Anonymous

Depends on your itinerary, how much you like to walk, etc. Two passes at $28 is $56, which will buy you several cab fares.

If you bought the pay-as-you-go cards, which don't require that up-front commitment, you could end up incrementally buying $10 (6 rides) or $20 (12 rides) cards and spend $50 to get 30 rides, which is 15 subway fares each, or 3 per day. That sounds like plenty for most tourists and less chance of wasted fares.

SaraL

Do you have a plan or rough idea where you are going to go? If so you can estimate roughly how many times you will use the card, $28 would mean you had to use the card over 14 times for it to be worth it. We usually get the subway to where we are going, explore that area then get it back late afternoon, with you staying near Times Sq you may decide to walk back if you are quite nearby.

Fabio

BudgetQueen

nice to hear from you again over here after your great help on Alaska forum last year !

I am flying with two friends into NYC for the 7-10dec weekend from Europe and was just considering the $7/day unlimited ride metrocard.

Thank you !!

Fabio