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MTA Bus Fares & Payment Options
Welcome to the MTA. Whether you are a daily commuter or visiting our city, we offer several convenient ways to pay your fare. Plan your trip with confidence using our current fare structures and payment methods.
Current Fare Information
All local bus routes in the MTA network share a standardized fare structure.
- Standard Single Ride
- Reduced Fare – Available for seniors (65+), persons with disabilities, and qualifying low-income riders (Fair Fares).
- Children:
Ways to Pay
1. Contactless Payment (OMNY)
The fastest and most secure way to pay. Simply tap your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, or wearable device on the OMNY reader when boarding.
Fare Capping: Automatically earn free rides once you hit your weekly fare cap.
No Card Needed: No need to purchase a separate transit card; use the wallet already on your phone.
2. MetroCard
The traditional payment method remains valid across the entire bus network.
- Refillable Cards: Purchase and add value at any MetroCard vending machine located at subway stations or authorized retail locations.
- Single-Ride Tickets: Must be purchased at a vending machine prior to boarding. Please note: Single-ride tickets are valid for two hours from the time of purchase.
- Cash (Exact Change Only)
You may pay your fare in cash when boarding a bus.
- Requirement: Please have exact change ready. Bus operators do not carry cash and cannot provide change.
- Accepted currency: Coins (nickels, dimes, quarters) and $1 bills.
Transfers
Your fare includes a free transfer, allowing you to switch between buses or between a bus and the subway within two hours of your initial tap or swipe.
OMNY Users: Ensure you use the same contactless card or device for all legs of your journey to receive the automatic transfer.
MetroCard Users: Transfers are automatically processed when you swipe your card; no paper transfer is required.