How to Not Get Busted for Bus Fare in NYC (Legally, of Course)
So, you're fresh off the plane, armed with dreams of yellow cabs and towering skyscrapers. Welcome to the concrete jungle! While it’s tempting to hail a cab every time you move, your wallet will thank you if you learn to navigate the city's iconic bus system. But hold on, before you hop on, let's talk about how to pay your fare without breaking the bank or the law.
The Good Old Days of Exact Change
Remember when people actually carried coins? Ah, the good old days. Back then, you had to have the exact change ready to drop into the farebox. It was like a real-life arcade game: insert coins, pray they add up to the right amount, and hope the bus driver doesn't give you that 'are-you-serious' look. Thankfully, those days are mostly behind us.
Enter the MetroCard: A Swipe of Convenience
The MetroCard was a game-changer. No more coin counting drama! You just swipe and go. But let's be honest, it was also a breeding ground for lost cards, refill lines, and the eternal question: "Do I have enough for this ride?"
OMNY: Tap and Go, Forget the Fro
Now, we have OMNY. It's like magic, but for bus fares. Tap your card, phone, or wearable device, and voila! You're on your way. It's so easy, even a pigeon could figure it out (probably not, but you get the idea).
Select Bus Service (SBS): A Whole New Ball Game
If you're lucky enough to be on an SBS route, you can actually board through any door. But here's the catch: you need to pay before you board. There are machines on the sidewalk where you can buy a ticket or refill your MetroCard. It's like a pre-game challenge before the main event of riding the bus.
Important Tip: Keep your bus receipt! The MTA has fare inspectors who randomly check for proof of payment. Getting caught without one can be a pricey mistake.
How to Navigate the Bus Fare Maze
- How to avoid the exact change hassle? Use a MetroCard or OMNY.
- How to refill your MetroCard without losing your mind? Look for MetroCard vending machines at subway stations.
- How to use OMNY? Tap your card, phone, or wearable device at the reader when boarding.
- How to pay on Select Bus Service (SBS) routes? Buy a ticket from a sidewalk machine before boarding.
- How to avoid a fare evasion ticket? Keep your bus receipt handy.
