Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Getting a MetroCard or SingleRide ticket
• Part 2 of 3: Figuring out where to go
• Part 3 of 3: Boarding and traveling by bus

Traveling by bus in New York City is similar to other places, so don't be afraid to get on a bus. It helps to buy a MetroCard or SingleRide ticket in advance so you don't need to change change on the bus. You can then determine your route by planning it with the online trip planner or by reading the route map of the bus. Travel to your destination by bus, making sure to follow bus etiquette and rules.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Getting a MetroCard or SingleRide ticket

1. Find a MetroCard machine location. You can buy a MetroCard from a vending machine located in bus and metro stations, as well as in metro station booths that are staffed by employees. The cards are also sold in local stores. While you can't buy a MetroCard on the bus, you can buy one on the MetroCard bus or the van that runs the major bus routes once a month.
   • If you work in New York City, you can also sometimes get MetroCards at a tax rate through your employer.
2. Decide what kind of MetroCard you want. You can choose between a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard or an Unlimited Ride MetroCard. With Pay-Per-Ride, you choose how many rides you want to charge for $ 2.75 (€ 2.50) each in 2017, with a 5% bonus. So if you put $ 25.00 (€ 22) on your card, you get an extra $ 1.25. With the Unlimited Ride MetroCard you pay one price for unlimited rides for a week or 30 days.
   • As of 2017, the Unlimited Ride MetroCard costs $ 32.00 (€ 28.50) for a week and $ 121.00 (€ 108) for a month, unless you qualify for reduced rates. People with a disability and people over 65 qualify for a reduced rate. This card is also valid for local buses and metros.
   • You can also buy an Unlimited Ride Express Bus MetroCard, which costs $ 59.90 (€ 53.50) for a week. It is also valid for express buses, not just local buses.
3. Buy your MetroCard or SingleRide Ticket. Once you have decided what you want, you can buy what you need. If you don't want to buy a MetroCard, which costs $ 1 the first time, you can also buy a SingleRide ticket. A SingleRide ticket costs $ 3 and includes one transfer.
   • You can pay with a credit or debit card at all machines, but only the large ones accept cash. Metro stations only accept cash. You must put at least $ 5.50 (€ 5) on a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard.
   • You can also pay in cash on the bus with the correct change.
   • The rate for an express bus is $ 6.50 (€ 5.80).

Part 2 of 3: Figuring out where to go

1. Get a map. You can check online which route you want to take and print directions. However, you can also buy a pocket-sized card at most bookstores and even convenience stores to make things easier on yourself.
   • You can use the Metropolitan Transport Authority Trip Planner at http://www.mta.info/nyct. For example, you can enter your departure address, landmark, departure station or arrival station. You can only select the bus or the bus plus the metro to get there, as well as a departure time. The system then provides itineraries that take you where you need to go.
2. Determine your route. Find out which buses to take and where to change. You want to know which bus to take so you don't get lost or get off at the wrong stop.
   • If you use the online trip planner, it will tell you where to transfer. If you're only using a map, find the bus stop where your route meets the route to your destination. You change buses there. Sometimes you can also find a direct route.
3. Find the bus stop. Find out where your first bus stop is based on the route you have planned and head in that direction. Look for a bus shelter, or at least a round blue sign with a bus and route number on it.
   • The bus stops are listed as part of your route when you look it up. In addition, you can view a map of bus routes to find bus stops.
4. Check the bus number while the bus is stopping. Just because you're at the right bus stop doesn't mean every bus that stops there is the right one. Buses with different routes stop at the same bus stop, so make sure you are getting on the correct bus.

Part 3 of 3: Boarding and traveling by bus

1. Get on the bus through the front doors. Because you pay for your ride up front, it is important to get in there. It can cause confusion when you get in the back and it can anger the bus driver.
   • If you are in a wheelchair, please stand at the bus stop so that the bus driver can see you. Signal to the bus driver. The bus driver will activate the ramp, or position the lift so that you can get on. The bus driver will also help you get your wheelchair on the bus.
2. Pay for your ride. Use your MetroCard or SingleRide ticket to pay for your ride. You can also pay for the ride with the correct change. You can only use quarters, dimes and nickels, not pennies.
   • To use the MetroCard, insert it in the ticket box. The front of the card should be facing you and the black strip should be on the right.
   • You also put your money or SingleRide ticket in the ticket box if that is what you use.
3. Ask for a transfer ticket. If you are paying for your ticket on the bus or using a SingleRide ticket, request a transfer ticket if you need to change buses. They are valid for a maximum of 2 hours on routes that intersect with your current route.
4. Sit or stand in the back of the bus. When boarding, go as far back as possible so that there is room for other people entering the bus. Sit down or hold the handles as soon as possible.
5. Keep your belongings out of the aisles and seats. Leaving bags or other items in the aisle is a safety risk and can cause people to trip or have your belongings stolen. Also, don't leave bags on seats that someone else can use, especially if the bus is full.
   • Fold strollers during the entire journey.
6. Ask the bus to stop with the rope. When you see your bus stop approaching, you can pull the cord to stop. You can also press the black band by the windows. The sign in the front of the bus that says "Stop requested" will light up when you do this.
   • You may also see a red button to request a stop. Tires can also be yellow. Look for signage to find these buttons and tires.
   • Between 22:00 and 05:00 you can request a stop anywhere, not just at a bus stop.
7. Exit the bus through the back. To keep traffic flowing on board, exit the bus from the back so that people can board in the front. Look for the green light above the door, then press the yellow bar to open the door.