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Can you ride the NYC subway without a MetroCard?

With a regular Pay-Per-Ride card, every subway ride costs $2.90 (plus a $1 fee for a new card if you don't already have one). With a Pay-Per-Ride, you get one free transfer to a bus within 2 hours. If you decide to go with a Pay-Per-Ride you can skip buying a MetroCard and use the OMNY Tap-To-Pay option.



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Using OMNY OMNY, our contactless fare payment system, is available at every subway station. Tap your contactless credit or debit card or smart device at the OMNY reader on the turnstile. It doesn't matter which way the card or device is facing. When the reader shows GO, proceed through the turnstile.

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You can use cash, credit, or debit cards to make your purchase. New York City subway fares are $2.75 per trip. For visitors staying more than a couple of days you can buy a one week unlimited MetroCard for $33 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $127.00.

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To pay your fare at subway turnstiles, AutoGates, and onboard buses (including Select Bus Service buses), simply tap your own contactless credit or debit card, smart device, or OMNY card on the OMNY reader.

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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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Tips for saving on subway and bus fares
  1. Use your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, or wearable to tap and ride with OMNY. ...
  2. Rides include a free transfer between the subway and local buses and between local buses.
  3. Refill the MetroCard you have instead of paying the fee for a new card.


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Riders who enter the subway system or ride buses without paying the fare are subject to a $50 or $100 fine. Fare evaders are also subject to issuance of a summons; however, MTA officials stated that it is not the MTA's goal to give summonses to fare evaders but to get its riders to pay the appropriate fare.

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The best way to get around NYC as a tourist is by taking the subway or the bus since it's cheap, efficient, and goes to most parts of the city.

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Buses are your best option if you are traveling from East to West across the city. If it's a pleasant day try to rent a bike or ride a NYC ferry. You will see more of the city and have fun. NYC has many ride sharing options.

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Pay for multiple people: Up to four riders can use the same payment method. Tap OMNY or swipe a pay-per-ride MetroCard as each person enters.

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Our flagship apps, MYmta and TrainTime, make it easy to find your best transit option, whether you're traveling on the subway, bus, Long Island Rail Road, or Metro-North Railroad. Our apps include tools that help you easily navigate your trip.

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What does “OMNY” mean? OMNY, which stands for One Metro New York, is based on the concept of unifying fare payments and ticketing across multiple modes of transportation. We believe that transportation is an essential service that connects communities and brings the diversity and energy of New York together.

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While a single ride costs $2.90, the Unlimited card saves you money because the more you use it, the cheaper each ride is. If your stay is 30 days or longer, consider a 30-day unlimited card for $127 ($63.50 reduced fare). Important rules that apply to Unlimited MetroCards: It can only be used by 1 person.

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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. Reduced fares are available for people 65 and older, people with disabilities, and low-income New Yorkers. Learn more about fares.

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What is this? Select Single Ride if you only need one ticket for one trip and pay $3. To purchase a Pay-Per-Ride Card or a 7-Days-Unlimited Card press MetroCard. Select $9 MetroCard, if you want to buy a Pay-Per-Ride Card and you want to get done quick.

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They take cash but be aware the maximum amount of change given is $9, and that's in coins, not bills. Be aware sometimes the machines may reject older worn paper currency.

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