Most of the 4000 plus blue and white buses in New York run 24 hours a day
every day. The buses aren’t as crowded as other forms of transport and they
are clean, smoke free and safe. The ideal way of sightseeing whilst in New
York would be to sit back, relax and ride round the vast city in one of
these modern, air conditioned buses. All animals except for guide dogs are
prohibited on New York’s public buses.
Exact change is required for your bus fare as the drivers can’t give you
change and the fare boxes don’t accept half dollars, pennies or dollar
bills. Alternatively, a MetroCard or a token is accepted, these can be
purchased at any subway station booth. If you will need to take more than
one bus for your journey, ask the driver for a transfer when boarding, these
are free and valid for up to 2 hours. The transfer will be electronically
placed on your MetroCard or if you pay by other methods the driver will
issue you with a transfer ticket.
Senior Citizens and the disabled qualify for discount fares and all buses
have lifts at the rear for wheelchair access. The buses have steps which can
be lowered, commonly known as “kneeling facilities” for helping elderly
people to board.
The route number of each bus is displayed on the lighted strip above the
windshield but if you aren’t sure about your destination just ask the driver
if he will be stopping at your destination or somewhere close. Many of New
York’s bus drivers will be happy to help and will even call out your stop if
you ask them.
Buses will stop at designated stops only but if you travel between 10pm and
5am ask the driver to stop anywhere along the route for your own safety.
Many bus stops have shelters and are marked by red, white and blue signs
with yellow paint along the curb. There are also Guide-a-Ride maps at each
bus stop showing bus routes and local landmarks. Train stations and subway
stations provide bus maps for each borough.
The regular bus fare is $1.50 and Express bus fares are around $5, these are
generally for longer journeys to the outer boroughs and not for short trips.
There are two sets of doors on each bus, the doors at the front for entering
and the doors at the back for exiting. If you require a stop request when
travelling on the bus, press the vertical call strip between the windows.
This will light up a “Stop Requested” sign near the driver.
Long Distance Buses
The Port Authority Bus Terminal is where buses to other US destinations and
Canada leave from.There are over 6000 buses carrying over 172,000 passengers
arriving and leaving daily so it can be a little chaotic. The long distance
companies include Greyhound, Adirondack and Peter Pan and they all have
their own ticket counters. Reservations are not accepted on any of these bus
lines. There are bathroom facilities open from 6am to 10pm and the Port
Authority Bus Terminal is renowned for attracting homeless people and
beggars. Be aware of your surroundings at all times
There is also a terminal at Manhattan side of the George Washington Bridge,
where buses travelling to Rockland County and New Jersey are available.
Bus Information:
MTA Travel
Tel: (718)-330-1234 (24 hours)
