I don't know about lottery numbers but I joined Theatre Development Fund and got great bargains on theater, nightclubs, dance, etc.: http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=59&%20do=v

HTTY

This is the way it works, I can vouch for it because this is how it worked for us last May, we are Seniors living in Florida. For buses it was the easier way, we got at home a roll of quaters, and simple paid in buses $2.25 for two fares,( or half for one) We always got transfers that we used in other buses but they might have been ok for subways, not sure.
In Subways we asked for two senior tickets at the booth, only once they asked for the Medicare card but let us asume that they might have asked all the time, for $2.25 each
they gave us a card to get in, and a white slip of paper aprox 7 inches x 2 inches to be shown at the booth when coming back.( When coming back the person in the booth in the Station will show you how to get in to take the train).
It works very well and it is a good saving.

I went to their office in Stone Street on my first day , filled out the form and got the Seniors pass with photo without any trouble and I do not live in the US. The best investment I made and very convenient.

Wow, HOw long are you planning to stay in NY.?..anyway I would not go to a Government office on my one week holiday in New York even if they give me a free taxi pass.The other system worked like a breeze, how many subways I took in a week, only a few, lots of buses and a few taxis. Cheers.

Yes I guess the length of time you are going to be there would make a difference. In my case I was there for three weeks so it was worth my while.

It is easy to do by mail, took five minutes and a six week wait for the ard to arrive.

If you get a paper transfer from a bus, it DOES NOT work on the subway; only for another bus route... for 2 hours.
If you want transfers, get a metro-card.

You can find all contact information for the MTA and reduced fare information here:

http://www.mta.info/nyct/

It clearly states that reduced fares are available for all Seniors (not just residents) and the reduced fare metro card can be applied for in advance or when in the City. Definitely get a metro card for your visit. It's so cost effective.

There are Metro Buses and Vans stationed throughout the five boroughs at different days and times, which can issue the Metro cards and help with problems. Check it out.

There is a reason that the discount is available to seniors - and it does not relate to where they live - it relates to their age and the assumption that they are living on a limited budget.

If you are a senior and come to NYC as a tourist, staying in a hotel, then you can afford the full fare. I assume that posters on Fodors generally can afford full fare, although it might reduce the amount of traveling somewhat.

Michael, are you saying that people with good incomes living in New York then can also afford full fares, so shouldn't have the privilege of using travelcards or discounts?

Clearly offering senior discounts for nearly anything is rarely based on financial need.

By the way, a few years ago my partner and I made a trip to the transit authority down near Wall Street and got a Senior ID card for transit (they took his picture and made the card), which enabled him to buy unlimited ride Metro cards at half price. It had nothing to do with being a New York resident.

Yes Neopatrick, I agree as I said back in June on here.

NeoPatrick,

I am saying that those with good incomes get a free ride because of a perceived need to do something about those who do not have such an income. I believe that that was the original idea behind the discounts. There would be no reason to give seniors a reduction otherwise. Now businesses might give discounts to bring in more clientele, and government discounts have just become entitlements. BTW, in France, senior discounts do not exist for museums, but youth gets a free pass.