Dear Transit Sam,
I just turned 65, and I was wondering how you can apply for a Senior Citizen Metrocard? Will I have to pay more when normal fares go up on Thursday, December 30th?
D.S., West Village
Dear D.S.,
You can request a reduced fare metrocard by mail or in person, whichever is more convenient. If you go in person to 3 Stone Street between Broadway and Broad Street, you’ll need two forms of valid identification (i.e. passport, driver’s license, birth certificate). If you decide to apply for one by mail, you’ll need to fill out and print the following application (https://www.mta.info/nyct/fare/pdf/seniors.pdf), include a 2” by 2 ½” photograph of yourself and a valid form of photo identification (a photocopy). You can then mail the form and other materials to MTA NYC Transit, Reduced Fare Program, 130 Livingston St., Brooklyn, NY 11201-9625. Give it a couple weeks to process before you receive the card.
To answer your second question, the fare for a reduced pay-per-ride Metrocard will stay the same at $1.10, but unlimited reduced fare Metrocards will rise in price to $52 for a monthly and $14.50 for a weekly. I strongly recommend you get the pay-per-ride Metrocard because the monthly and weekly Metrocards cannot be used during rush hour from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays under current federal guidelines. I would only get the monthly if I knew all my trips for the month would be off-peak.
Transit Sam
Dear Transit Sam,
I know the MTA is raising its fares on December 30th from $89 to $104 for a monthly unlimited Metrocard. Talk about a whopper of an increase! Can I stock up on monthly Metrocards on December 29th so that I’m saving a nice chunk of change?
Eva, Gold St.
Dear Eva,
It’s a nice way to find some extra cash for the 2011 holiday season, but unfortunately the answer is no. If you buy a monthly Metrocard before December 30th (no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 20th), you will need to activate the card no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 10th. Otherwise, the card won’t work when you swipe in.
Transit Sam
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Have a question about a parking ticket, traffic rules, public transportation, ASP or more? Want to know how to get a copy of my 2011 Parking Calendar? If so, send me an e-mail at TransitSam@downtownexpress.com or write to Transit Sam, 611 Broadway, Suite 415, New York, NY 10012.
