Cash on the Bus: A Relic of the Past?
New York City. The city that never sleeps. The concrete jungle where dreams are made (or crushed, depending on your rent). And where, you might wonder, is the best place to experience the city's unique blend of chaos and charm? Why, on a bus, of course! But let's talk about the real question here: can you still pay cash on a NYC bus?
Cash or Cashless: The Great Debate
Remember the good old days when people used actual, physical money? Like, those weird paper things with dead presidents on them? Well, apparently, some dinosaurs still cling to this outdated concept. And they want to know if they can use this prehistoric currency on a NYC bus.
Short answer: Kind of.
Let's break it down. You can pay cash on a NYC bus, but there are a few caveats:
- Exact change only: No, the bus driver is not your personal ATM. They don't deal in change. So, dig deep into those coin purses, people!
- No pennies: Pennies are basically worthless. They're like the annoying little brother of the coin world. So, leave those at home.
- Limited to local and SBS buses: Express buses? Forget about it. Cash is not their thing.
Why Bother with Cash?
Okay, so you can pay cash on a bus. But why would you? I mean, it's 2023 (or whenever you're reading this). We have smartphones, self-driving cars, and people who think NFTs are a good investment. Why are we still clinging to coins?
Here are some potential reasons:
- You're a time traveler: Cool! But please, bring back some dinosaur bones while you're at it.
- You're trying to avoid fees: Look, I get it. Fees are annoying. But is it really worth the hassle of dealing with exact change?
- You're just old-fashioned: That's okay! We all have our quirks. But maybe it's time to embrace the future.
How to Survive a Cash-Only Bus Ride
If you absolutely must pay cash on a NYC bus, here are some tips:
- Count your change: This might seem obvious, but it's easy to lose track of quarters when you're in a hurry.
- Have a backup plan: What if you don't have exact change? Are you prepared to be that annoying passenger who holds up the whole bus?
- Be patient: Bus drivers deal with a lot of crap. Don't add to it by being a difficult customer.
How To...
- How to avoid paying cash on a NYC bus: Get an OMNY card or use your phone to pay.
- How to find a bus stop: Use Google Maps or the MTA app.
- How to read a bus schedule: It's not as complicated as it looks. Just find the bus number and look for your stop.
- How to stay sane on a crowded bus: Headphones, a good book, and maybe some meditation.
- How to tip a bus driver: While not required, a small tip is always appreciated.
So, there you have it. Paying cash on a NYC bus is possible, but it's definitely not ideal. Embrace the future, people! Use a card or your phone. Your sanity will thank you.
