Forgetting the Fare is a New York Classic, But Can You Avoid It With Plastic?
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the city of dreams, and the city where you always seem to forget your MetroCard exactly when you need it most. Fear not, fellow forgetful traveler, because a new hero has emerged in the battle against bus fare fumbles: the credit card.
But hold on to your hot dogs, this isn't a black and white situation (unless you're reading this on a very outdated e-reader). Let's dive into the fascinating world of NYC bus fare payments, with a healthy dose of humor to keep things interesting.
Cash? We Don't Know Her (Well, Maybe a Little)
For years, the only way to pay for a bus ride was with exact change, a system about as reliable as a pigeon showing manners. Imagine the scene: you're running late, pockets jingling like a malfunctioning dryer, desperately searching for that elusive quarter. By the time you locate it, the bus doors hiss shut, leaving you stranded with your dignity slightly crumpled.
Thankfully, those days are (mostly) over.
Enter OMNY: The Knight in Shining...Plastic?
Our savior comes in the form of OMNY, a contactless fare payment system with a name that sounds like a sneeze interrupted by a yoga pose. OMNY accepts credit cards, debit cards, smart phones, and even wearable devices. Basically, anything with a digital pulse can be your ticket to a stress-free ride (well, as stress-free as public transportation can be).
Here's the magic part: you just tap your chosen payment method on the designated reader and voila! You're on your way to conquer the Big Apple.
But wait, there's more! (Isn't there always?)
Not All Buses Were Created Equal
While OMNY is becoming increasingly widespread, there's a chance you might encounter an OMNY-less bus lurking in the concrete jungle. These old-school buses still require the trusty MetroCard, so it's always a good idea to have a backup plan (unless your backup plan involves singing show tunes for spare change, which is a bold strategy, my friend).
Here's the TL;DR:
- Yes, you can usually pay for the NYC bus with a credit card using OMNY.
- Make sure your card has contactless payment enabled.
- Keep an eye out for the bright blue OMNY symbol on the bus.
- Carry a MetroCard as a backup, just in case.
So there you have it! Now you can board the bus with confidence, knowing that even if you forget your MetroCard, you can still tap your way to your destination. Just remember, while plastic is fantastic, a little preparedness can go a long way in this city that never sleeps (or forgets its bus fare).
