Metro Card
 

Hi,

I will be in NY city for 4 days in December with myself (65 years old) and my daughter and 2 granddaughters 22 and 19.

Do I need to buy a card to ride the subway or can I pay as you go.

I read somewhere that 65 or over can ride for 1/2 fare.
What do I show for proof or do I need to get a card for 1/2 fare. Also can these cards be ordered before we get there and if so where.

Thanks

Subway is Metro Card only - no cash. On city buses you can use cash - exact fare of $2 - coins only and no pennies. So - really a MetroCard is the only thing that makes sense.

If you look at the Metropolitan Transit Authority web site it will give you info on all of the types of cards available and you can pick what makes most sense for your group.

I'm not aware of any way to get them until you get here - but they should be for sale in the newsstands at the airports - and practically every newsstand in the city - as well as train and subway stations.

nytraveler,

Thanks for your quick reply.

What about the 1/2 fare card, any info on that.

I think the senior card is a special issue with a photo that is only issued at limited locations.

Over 65s do need to go to a special location and get a photo ID card. You then carry that with you, but buy a discount Metro card from machines just like any other ticket. You need to carry the photo ID card with you at all times while using a discounted senior ticket.

The main office for the photo ID cards (they take the picture, don't bring your own) is downtown near Wall Street. Here is a link to the location.

www.mta.info/nyct/fare/rfcenter.htm

you can buy a metro card for a single trip or multiple.
the daily unlimited ride card can only be used by one person.
if you get the multiple ride card more than one person can use it. just pass it back to the person waiting after you have gone through the turnstile.

Thanks to everyone for your help. Can't wait to get there.

Re Sr Metro card: you can order card in advance w/photo & proof of age i.d. It is mailed to you & you have a choice of $10 prepayment:
credit card, bank debit.

When the card dips below $10, another $10 is automatically added
w/bonus $ like the reg cards & deducted via payment plan you have selected.

HOWEVER, this takes a few wks & may not arrive in time for your Dec. trip so you might call first to ascertain whether advance ticket will arrive in time.

Re bus: I have seen folks show their ID to driver & just drop $1 in quarters in the box.