Are buses still free in NYC?

The free buses will go into effect this Sunday, September 24, and include the following: Bx18A/B, B60, M116, Q4, and S46/96. Once the pilot program is completed, Hochul reportedly expects the MTA to extend the free bus service into 2025. There's also a free shuttle bus that takes you around Downtown Manhattan.



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As of Sunday, passengers won't be charged fares on the following lines: Q4 in Queens, B60 in Brooklyn, M116 in Manhattan, S46/96 in Staten Island, and the Bx18A/B in the Bronx. The fare-free pilot program is part of the Fix the MTA legislative package which was in the state budget.

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Purchase your MetroCard or SingleRide Ticket. You can pay with credit or debit cards at all vending machines, though only the large ones accept cash. Subway stations only accept cash. You must put at least $5.50 on a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard. You can also pay cash on the bus in exact change.

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The same card works on city buses. You probably won't use the Express buses. These are designed for commuters who live in the outer boroughs. The Metrocard will work on Limited and Select buses.

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Subways and buses Fare for most riders on subways and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses: $2.90. Express buses cost $7. Tap to pay your fare with your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, or OMNY card, or pay with a MetroCard.

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About bus fares OMNY is accepted on all New York City buses. Fares can also be paid with a MetroCard, coins, or SingleRide ticket. Some buses are fare-free: Q70-LaGuardia Link to and from LaGuardia Airport.

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All of our buses and +SelectBusService Coin Fare Collector machines accept exact fare in coins. Dollar bills, pennies, and half-dollar coins are not accepted. OMNY is the MTA's new fare payment system. Use your contactless card or smart device to pay the fare on buses and subways.

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Once you've taken 12 paid rides in a seven-day period, you can ride free for the rest of the week. Here's an example: A rider uses the subway to get to and from work, and takes it on weekends to go into Manhattan to meet friends.

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The free routes are:
  • the Q4 bus in Queens.
  • the B60 bus in Brooklyn.
  • the M116 bus in Manhattan.
  • the Bx18 bus in the Bronx.
  • the S46 and the S96 buses, which count as one route, on Staten Island.


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Riding the subway is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around the city. For most riders, the subway fare is $2.90.

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What is the Penalty for Fare Evasion in New York? While jumping a turnstile is still technically a criminal offense, the penalties are relatively light. It falls into the same general category as a parking ticket, and you will be fined $100 if caught. However, you can appeal the decision and avoid paying the fine.

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Fare Evasion: $100 Fine Individuals are not permitted to enter the New York City Transit subway system or buses without payment of the fare. This includes instances when your MetroCard is not functioning properly.

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The good news is that all discounts for seniors and other reduced-rate customers will continue. The base fare for the local rail and bus system is now $2.90, but a senior or eligible transit rider would pay half that, or $1.45, if they enroll in the program. Here's how to get MetroCard discounts.

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Since MetroCards are still available until the end of 2024, so until then, it may not be worth buying an OMNY card, which costs $4 more than a MetroCard. On the other hand, if you use a pay-per-ride MetroCard, you do not get to take advantage of the OMNY fare cap mentioned above.

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It is a travel lane restricted to buses only during certain hours of the day. During this time, other vehicles may enter a bus lane only to make the next available right turn, or to quickly drop off or pick up passengers. Violating bus lane rules results in a $50 – $250 fine.

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Regular Pay Per Ride MetroCards: These can be shared with up to 4 people per card. You can each swipe the turnstile separately or the first person can swipe 4x's and have everyone follow through the turnstile.

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The Annual Transit Card is an annual unlimited ride MetroCard. When you enroll in the Annual Card Program, you will receive a MetroCard that can be used for a continuous 12-month period for unlimited rides on MTA subway and local buses.

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