New York City

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Buses

Comprehensive bus system offering local and express services across the five boroughs.

Sections

1. Overview of the NYC Bus System

  • Coverage: The MTA operates over 300 local, express, and Select Bus Service (SBS) routes across the city. Buses connect neighborhoods, subway stations, and areas not served by the subway.
  • Types of Buses:
    • Local Buses: Stop frequently and operate within a single borough.
    • Express Buses: Provide faster service between boroughs, primarily catering to commuters traveling between Staten Island, Manhattan, and parts of Queens and The Bronx.
    • Select Bus Service (SBS): A faster service with fewer stops, off-board fare payment, and dedicated bus lanes.

2. Fare Costs

  • Local and SBS Buses:
    • Standard fare: $2.90 (as of October 2023).
    • Reduced fare: $1.45 (available for seniors 65+, people with disabilities, and certain low-income riders with an MTA Reduced-Fare MetroCard).
  • Express Buses:
    • Standard fare: $7.00.
    • Reduced fare: $3.50 (for eligible riders).
  • Children: Up to three children under 44 inches tall can ride for free with a paying adult.

3. Payment Methods

  • OMNY (One Metro New York):
    • The MTA’s contactless payment system. You can tap a contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, or wearable device on the OMNY reader at the bus entrance.
    • No need to pre-purchase a card; just tap and go.
    • OMNY offers a fare-capping system: After 12 paid rides in a week (Monday–Sunday), the rest of your rides are free for that week.
  • MetroCard:
    • A reloadable card used for buses and subways.
    • Available in two types:
      • Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard: Add money and pay per trip.
      • Unlimited Ride MetroCard: Costs $34 for 7 days or $132 for 30 days (unlimited rides on local buses and subways).
    • MetroCards can be purchased at subway stations, MTA vending machines, and some retail locations.
  • Cash:
    • Accepted on local and express buses (exact change only, in coins; no bills or pennies).

4. Accessibility Options

  • All NYC buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with ramps or lifts.
  • Priority seating is available for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • Buses have audio and visual announcements for stops and routes.
  • The MTA offers a Reduced-Fare MetroCard for eligible riders, which can be applied for online or at MTA customer service centers.

5. Routes and Schedules

  • Routes:
    • Each bus route is identified by a letter and number (e.g., M15 for Manhattan, B41 for Brooklyn, Q44 for Queens, etc.).
    • Express buses are labeled with an "X" (e.g., X1, X68).
  • Schedules:
    • Buses generally run from early morning (around 5:00 AM) to late at night (around 1:00 AM), with some routes operating 24/7.
    • Frequency varies by route and time of day. During peak hours, buses may run every 5–10 minutes, while late-night service may be less frequent.
  • Finding Schedules:
    • Use the MTA website (mta.info) or the MYmta app to check real-time bus arrivals and schedules.
    • Google Maps and other transit apps like Citymapper also provide accurate bus schedules and route information.

6. Transfers

  • Free Transfers:
    • You can transfer for free between buses or between a bus and subway within 2 hours of your first tap or swipe.
    • Transfers are automatic when using OMNY or a MetroCard.
  • Express Bus Transfers:
    • If transferring from a local bus or subway to an express bus, you’ll pay the difference in fare.

7. How to Plan Your Trip

  • Online Tools:
    • Use the MTA’s Trip Planner on their website or the MYmta app to plan your journey. Enter your starting point, destination, and preferred time of travel to get detailed directions.
  • Transit Apps:
    • Apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, and Transit provide real-time bus tracking, route options, and estimated travel times.
  • Bus Stop Information:
    • Each bus stop has a sign with the route number, destination, and a route map. Many stops also have digital displays showing real-time arrival information.

8. Tips for Riding NYC Buses

  • Boarding:
    • Enter through the front door and tap your OMNY device or swipe your MetroCard. For SBS buses, pay at the kiosk at the bus stop and keep your receipt as proof of payment.
  • Exiting:
    • Exit through the rear door to avoid crowding at the front.
  • Peak Hours:
    • Buses can get crowded during rush hours (7:00–9:30 AM and 4:30–7:00 PM). Plan accordingly.
  • Bus Lanes:
    • Many major streets have dedicated bus lanes to speed up service. Avoid standing in these lanes while waiting for the bus.
  • Weather Considerations:
    • Bus stops are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather, especially in winter or during rain.

9. Local Considerations

  • Traffic:
    • NYC traffic can be unpredictable, especially in Manhattan. Buses may experience delays during peak hours or bad weather.
  • Neighborhood Navigation:
    • Buses are particularly useful for reaching areas not well-served by the subway, such as parts of Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx.
  • Cultural Norms:
    • Be courteous by giving up priority seating to those who need it.
    • Avoid blocking the aisle with large bags or strollers.

10. Additional Resources

  • MTA Website: www.mta.info – Official source for maps, schedules, and service updates.
  • MYmta App: Free app for real-time bus tracking, trip planning, and service alerts.
  • Customer Service: Call 511 (NYC’s transit helpline) for assistance or visit an MTA customer service center.

By understanding these details, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate NYC’s bus system efficiently, whether you’re a visitor exploring the city or an immigrant settling into your new home.