Ask the MTA | Express bus fares and MetroCard vending machines

amNewYork Metro, in conjunction with the MTA, present “Ask the MTA,” a column where MTA officials answer your questions about transit service in New York City. If you have a question for the MTA about subways, buses, commuter rails and more, email askthemta@amny.com.

Q: I sometimes use the BxM9 to travel into Midtown. Is there a fare discount if you use the express bus and then transfer into the subway system? — Luther C., Throggs Neck

A: With Tap-and-Go or a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, you get one free transfer within two hours of paying your fare. You can transfer from subway to bus, bus to subway, or bus to bus. If you transfer from the subway or local bus to an express bus, you’ll be charged the difference between the subway or bus fare and the express bus fare unless you have a 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard.

– Demetrius Crichlow, President, New York City Transit

Q: I’ve noticed that MetroCard vending machines are starting to be removed in certain stations. Will I still be able to use my MetroCard and refill it? — Didi Y., Dumbo

A: You can still swipe your MetroCard to pay your subway or bus fare, but we will stop selling MetroCards by the end of this year. That’s why the vending machines are starting to be removed – to install OMNY card vending machines in their place and prepare for the full transition away from MetroCard to the tap-and-go system.

Until Dec. 31, 2025, you can refill a MetroCard at any station that still has a vending machine, or with cash at one of our mobile MetroCard vans . Better yet, spend down the value on your MetroCard and then go get an OMNY card.

You can transfer any remaining value from a valid MetroCard to your OMNY card at one of our 16 Customer Service Centers systemwide, then manage your OMNY card balance online, at a vending machine, or in one our partner retail store locations.

More than two-thirds of transit ridership is already using tap-and-go because they can skip the vending machine line and avoid pre-paying, saving time and money. I hope you’ll give tapping a try!

– Jessica Lazarus, Deputy Chief, Commercial Ventures

Q: I saw there’s some new art at the 42 St-Grand Central subway station leading to the 7 train. What’s the story behind that? – Kevin V., Hell’s Kitchen

A: The mosaic you saw is called Abstract Futures by the feminist art collective Hilma’s Ghost. Founders Sharmistha Ray and Dannielle Tegeder drew on archetypal symbols from their tarot deck collection of the same name to chart a cosmological map of transitions and awakenings.

The 600-square-foot artwork uses abstraction to create an inclusive experience and explore the shared journey of every commuter. The mural’s vibrant color and imagery offer a metaphor for the diversity of New York and represent a new way of seeing the city that is both physical and spiritual.

– Cheryl Hageman, Deputy Director, MTA Arts and Design