How to Save $$$ When in New York City
Written: Nov 05 '01 (Updated Nov 05 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive and and convenient way to get around.
Cons: Rush Hour can be quite crowded
The Bottom Line: You will be a Happy Visitor if you leave your car at home!
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| Nikjdog's Full Review: New York City |
If you are planning a trip to New York City do NOT use your car in the city. Besides driving at snails pace (less than 5 miles per hour on most streets,) the cost to park a car would be one of your biggest expenses. Depending on where in the city you leave it, parking can cost you as much as $35 a day PLUS 14% tax! Then figure how much the gas cost you and your budget for the trip is shot to hell!
However, there is a fantastic alternative. New York City subways and buses are really a great alternative. The normal fare is $1.50 a trip, however, there are many discount programs that you should use. They are all available ONLY if you purchase a METRO CARD. Just make sure you purchase one prior to boarding any bus, as they are not available for sale on any buses.
Remember, in order to take advantage of any of the discounts you must purchase a METRO CARD.
What is THE METRO CARD?
The Metro Card is a fast and convenient way to pay your subway or bus fare.
In order to use any of the discount fares you must purchase a METRO CARD. It is available at all Subway Token Booths, many retailers displaying the METRO CARD signs, The Times Square Visitors Center (Broadway & 47 Street), at most Subway Stations with the Metro Card Vending Machines, and On Line by visiting the NYC Metro Card website at http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/metrocard/index.html. If you purchase the METRO CARD at the Metro Card Vending Machines you can use your Credit Card, Debit Card or cash. All major credit cards are accepted.
Here are some of the more popular Metro Cards:
FUN PASS
This is a one-day pass that allows unlimited use of all buses and subways beginning when the card is first used and ending at 3:00AM the following day. Each member of your group must have their own card. The cost is $4.00 per card. Use this card if you are planning to make at least three separate trips within the above mentioned time period and you are planning only to stay a few days. It must be purchased at any Metro Card Vending Machine or any retailer that sells Metro Cards. It is not available at Subway Token Booths You can also purchase it at many hotels and also at the Times Square Visitors Center.
WEEKLY PASS
This pass is good for 7 days. It allows unlimited bus and subway rides during a 7-day period also beginning when the card is first used. As with the fun pass group members must have their own card. This card cost $17.00 and should be used if you are planning to stay in the city for more than a couple of days.
REGULAR METRO CARD
With this card, you can put any dollar amount on the card and you are charged for each trip that you take on the subway or bus. This card allows one free transfer from a bus to another bus or subway or visa versa. One card can be used for as many as four people at a time. For each $15.00 that is put on the card you are given an extra $1.50. In other words you pay $15.00 and you get $16.50. This card is best if you plan to use the subways or buses for no more than 2 separate and distinct trips a day.
No matter which option you choose, all Metro Cards look alike.
CASH
As always, cash can be used instead of a Metro Card. However, exact change is required on all buses (coins only, no bills.) The fare using the cash method will always be $1.50, which will allow you one free transfer from a bus to another bus only! Make sure you ask the driver for a transfer. You will not receive any discounts if you pay cash.
One side note: Senior Citizens are eligible to ride the buses for half fare (75 cents per trip.) Just present your Medicare Card to the bus driver or Token Booth attendant. No Metro Card is needed.
It is best to avoid the trains during rush hour (7:00AM- 9:00AM and 4:30PM – 7:00PM), as they can get quite crowded.
For further information on New York City Buses and Subways you can call (718) 330-1234, 24 hours, seven days a week. Non-English speaking customers may call (718) 330-4847 and hearing impaired customers may call (718) 596-8273. You can also visit the Web Site at: http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/metrocard/index.html for further information.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Nikjdog
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Member: Mike
Location: New York City
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 174 members
About Me:
I donate all money made on Epinions to the Humane Society of the United States
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