Metro card
Oct 3rd, 2011, 10:56 PM
#1
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Metro card
Hi i am going to new york.And was told to get a metro card.
Can any one tell me where i can travel on it ? What areas of usa . Can i go Boston ? and other places quite near.
Thanks for you help ...
J
Can any one tell me where i can travel on it ? What areas of usa . Can i go Boston ? and other places quite near.
Thanks for you help ...
J
Oct 4th, 2011, 03:49 AM
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No. Metro cards are for the New York City transit system only - subways and buses. They are not valid outside the city.
There are also commuter trains (Long Island Railroad, NJ Transit or MetroNorth for Westchester and CT) that can take you to the suburbs outside the city - but are MUCH more expensive than subway fares. (Subways do NOT go to these suburbs.)
And Boston isn;t "quite near" New York - it takes from 4.5 to 5 hours to get there. For intercity travel - as NY to Boston - you need to either fly, take Amtrak (somewhere in the region of $65 each way for the cheapest fares) or take the long-distance bus. there are a couple of different companies for the later from Bolt bus and other cheapies through luxury buses that cost as much as the the train. Whatever you do, do not take the chinatown buses - which have a terrible safety record (several very serious accidents with deaths).
There are also commuter trains (Long Island Railroad, NJ Transit or MetroNorth for Westchester and CT) that can take you to the suburbs outside the city - but are MUCH more expensive than subway fares. (Subways do NOT go to these suburbs.)
And Boston isn;t "quite near" New York - it takes from 4.5 to 5 hours to get there. For intercity travel - as NY to Boston - you need to either fly, take Amtrak (somewhere in the region of $65 each way for the cheapest fares) or take the long-distance bus. there are a couple of different companies for the later from Bolt bus and other cheapies through luxury buses that cost as much as the the train. Whatever you do, do not take the chinatown buses - which have a terrible safety record (several very serious accidents with deaths).
Oct 5th, 2011, 05:14 AM
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I (solo female traveller) took an overnite Megabus from NYC in the spring and had no problems. First time taking a bus in a long time, as I usually fly.
Before choosing to use it, I'd read online that because MB is only bookable online (no ticket wickets), it has a 'higher level of passengers' as they need a computer/smartphone to book a seat. Don't know if that's the reason but compared to a Greyhound bus I'd taken decades ago, I wasn't worried about any of my fellow passengers (no homeless, unwashed types). Not PC, I know, but I felt it.
If you're concerned, you can sit near the driver. However, I felt no need. You may want to get there early so you can queue for it (in a stanchion divided parking lot). However, when the line starts to move and they load luggage, it can get a little harried. Hold your ground and get on board.
The MB is double-decker and others had told me the high side profiles makes sitting on the downlevel feel like one's in a tuna can. I chose to sit up top, in the very first seat, with the stairwell behind me so no one was sitting behind me either. The driver announced a few times that people are not allowed on the stairwell when the bus is in motion so there wasn't any traffic on the stairwell during the ride.
I took up both seats and as being the front row, there was even a ledge for me to put my stuff on. When I slept, I laid on top of my carry-ons so no one could take my stuff. Generally it was very safe and I don't think you have to worry.
MB has power outlets and wifi so it's easy to pass the time if you don't want to sleep. Good luck and have a fab trip!
Enjoy-la!
Before choosing to use it, I'd read online that because MB is only bookable online (no ticket wickets), it has a 'higher level of passengers' as they need a computer/smartphone to book a seat. Don't know if that's the reason but compared to a Greyhound bus I'd taken decades ago, I wasn't worried about any of my fellow passengers (no homeless, unwashed types). Not PC, I know, but I felt it.
If you're concerned, you can sit near the driver. However, I felt no need. You may want to get there early so you can queue for it (in a stanchion divided parking lot). However, when the line starts to move and they load luggage, it can get a little harried. Hold your ground and get on board.
The MB is double-decker and others had told me the high side profiles makes sitting on the downlevel feel like one's in a tuna can. I chose to sit up top, in the very first seat, with the stairwell behind me so no one was sitting behind me either. The driver announced a few times that people are not allowed on the stairwell when the bus is in motion so there wasn't any traffic on the stairwell during the ride.
I took up both seats and as being the front row, there was even a ledge for me to put my stuff on. When I slept, I laid on top of my carry-ons so no one could take my stuff. Generally it was very safe and I don't think you have to worry.
MB has power outlets and wifi so it's easy to pass the time if you don't want to sleep. Good luck and have a fab trip!
Enjoy-la!
Oct 5th, 2011, 09:35 AM
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Kentgirl - If that's where you're from the US is a very BIG country and things that may seem close on a map if you're used to UK distances just aren't. Noticed you are also considering Niagara Falls (I don;t reco - just falling water) and it would really take you 3 days to see much of anything unless you fly to and fro - in which case it's 2 days.
Oct 5th, 2011, 12:19 PM
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kentgirl, here's a link with information on the various types of Metrocards available for purchase. Choose the one that suits your needs, depending on how long you will be here.
http://www.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
http://www.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
Oct 7th, 2011, 02:36 AM
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Hi Everyone .Thanks for all the info.Its a great site.Some people was saying some of the buses are not safe so i wanted to check. So Thanks for all the info on mega bus .And yes i know you have to book online .And i will book today.. I think will leave Niagara fall this time .Thank for info..And will check out metrocards thanks for link..
Cheers Guys...
Cheers Guys...
Oct 7th, 2011, 04:06 AM
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If you don't get a good deal on megabus, check out bolt bus. Both go to Boston and if you book early you get a lower price. Boston also has good public transit, so no car needed there either.
You can also use these to get to Washington DC I believe and there is good public transit there too.
You can also use these to get to Washington DC I believe and there is good public transit there too.
