The experience of riding a bus in New York City is almost the same as taking a bus in other cities. So don't be afraid. To make it easier, you should buy your MetroCard or SingleRide ticket in advance so you don't have to spend change to pay for travel on the bus. After that, you can search and manage travel routes via an online trip planner application or by reading a map of the bus route. Finally, take the bus all the way to your destination while still following the etiquette and regulations.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Buying MetroCard or SingleRide Tickets
Step 1. Locate the MetroCard vending machine
You can buy MetroCards at vending machines located at bus terminals and subway stations, as well as at staffed subway ticket counters. The card is also sold in local shops. While you can't buy a MetroCard on the bus, you can buy one from the buses and vans selling MetroCards that pass through the main bus routes once a month.
If you work in New York, you can also get a MetroCard through your employer for a tax-free rate
Step 2. Decide what kind of MetroCard you want
You can choose MetroCard Pay-Per-Ride or MetroCard Unlimited. The Pay-Per-Ride card allows you to choose how many buses you want to ride for only 2.75 US dollars (about 30 thousand rupiah) per destination in 2017, with a 5% bonus. So, if you top up the card with a nominal value of 25 dollars (about 250 thousand rupiah), the balance will increase by 1.25 dollars (about 12 thousand rupiah). With the MetroCard Unlimited card, you only need to pay once to take the bus anywhere for one week or 30 days.
- In 2017, MetroCard Unlimited was priced at 32 US dollars (approximately 320 thousand rupiah) for one week of use and 121 dollars (about 1.2 million rupiah) for one month's use, unless you are entitled to a price reduction. Persons with disabilities and persons over 65 years of age will receive a discounted rate. This card is valid for taking local buses and subways.
- You can also buy the Unlimited Ride Express Bus MetroCard for 59.90 dollars (about 600 thousand rupiah) for one week of use. This card is valid for payment of express bus tickets, not only local buses.
Step 3. Purchase the necessary MetroCard or SingleRide tickets
After you determine which one suits your needs, you just have to buy it. If you don't want to buy a MetroCard that sells for $1 for the first purchase, you can buy a SingleRide ticket. The ticket sells for 3 dollars (about 30 thousand rupiah) and includes one transit.
- You can pay for tickets at vending machines with a debit or credit card, but only large machines accept cash payments. Subway counters accept cash only. You must top up a minimum balance of 5.5 dollars (approximately 60 rupiah) on a Pay-Per-Ride type MetroCard card.
- You can also pay for the bus with cash in the form of loose change which is the right amount.
- The express bus fare is 6.5 dollars (about 70 thousand rupiah).
Method 2 of 3: Finding Out Travel Destinations
Step 1. Buy a map
You can check the route you want to go online and print it out. However, you can also buy mini-maps at many bookstores and small supermarkets to make things easier.
You can also use the Metropolitan Transport Authority's travel planner app at https://www.mta.info/nyct. For example, you can enter the starting point of the trip, the location benchmark, the name of the station and the address of the destination, or the name of the station you want to visit. You can choose to take the bus only or take the bus and subway to get there, and choose your departure time. After that, the system will automatically plan a travel route that guides you to your destination
Step 2. Find out the route passed
Find out what bus to take and where to change buses. You should know this before getting on the bus so you don't get lost or get off at the wrong place.
If you use the online trip planner, the app will tell you where you need to change buses. If you only use a map, look for bus stops that serve as transit points between your starting route and your destination route. It's the place where you change buses. Sometimes, you can find a direct route to your destination
Step 3. Find the nearest bus stop
Find out where the first bus stop is based on the planned route, then head to the place. Look for bus stops or at least blue signs with pictures of buses and route numbers.
The bus stop will be listed as part of the travel route. You can also look at the bus route map at the stop to find the stop
Step 4. Check the number of the incoming bus
Just because you are at the right bus stop, it doesn't mean that all the buses that pass are the ones you want to get on. Buses from various routes will stop at the same place. So check the bus number to make sure you are getting on the correct bus.
Method 3 of 3: Get in and Get on the Bus
Step 1. Enter from the bus door at the front
Since payment is made up front, you have to go up from the front door. Riding the bus from the back door will cause confusion and anger the driver.
If you are in a wheelchair, position yourself in front of the bus stop so the driver can see you. Give a signal to the bus. The driver will activate the door link or adjust the position of the lift so that you can enter. He will also help you position your wheelchair on the bus
Step 2. Pay the fare for the trip
Use a MetroCard or SingleRide ticket to pay for the trip. You can also pay for it with small change. You can only use 25 cents, 10 cents, or 5 cents notes, not 1 cent coins.
- To use the MetroCard, stick the card into the payment device on the bus. The front of the card should be facing you and the black line should be on the right.
- You can also put money or SingleRide tickets into the payment box provided if you choose that method.
Step 3. Request a transit ticket
If you paid for your bus ticket in cash or with a SingleRide ticket, ask for a transit ticket to change buses. The ticket can be used for up to 2 hours on a line that intersects directly with your travel route.
Step 4. Move to the back of the bus
When getting on the bus, look for the very back to make room for other people on board. Take a seat as quickly as possible or grab the handle provided.
Step 5. Do not put your belongings in the aisle of the bus and on the seats
Placing luggage in the aisle of the bus is a safety violation because it can trip others or cause the item to be stolen. Similarly, don't put your belongings in the passenger seat, especially when the bus is full.
Fold the stroller that is carried along the way
Step 6. Ask the driver to stop by pulling the cable
If you see a bus stop to your destination, pull the cable provided to ask the driver to stop. You can also press the black ribbon near the window. The box that says “Stop Requested” on the front of the bus will light up when you do.
- You may also see a red button to indicate a stop. The ribbon provided is sometimes also yellow. Look for a marker indicating the location of the button and ribbon.
- Between 22:00 and 05:00, you can request to get off anywhere, not just at bus stops.
Step 7. Exit from the back door of the bus
To keep the flow of passengers tidy, exit from the back of the bus so that others can enter through the front door. Look for the green light above the door, then press the yellow bar to open the door.
