UPDATES: (1) The express buses no longer accepts coins/cash. (2) The Select Bus Service (SBS) now accepts OMNY. So you can pay with your credit card when you board.
Thank you very much for a great video, it convinced me to subscribe! I am just wondering how the driver of an express bus knows that I am transferring from another bus or the subway (how to pay only 4 dollars instead of 6.75, and is that possible with an unlimited Metrocard (since it's not valid for Express buses).
@@Bellasie1 Hi there. From what I understand, the machine will know that the MetroCard you are using was recently used on a subway/bus. So it will only charge the difference. I'm not sure about unlimited.
@@Bellasie1 yes it is if you have leftover value fare on the same unlimited card you pay the difference between express buses and the trains as in $3.75 after you use trains or local buses first. So yes it’s possible to only pay $3.75 on an express bus this is only possible with an unlimited card
@kurtradelow I live in SoCal and exclusively use the Transit App, I love it. I previously was a user of the L.A. Metro App and over the last few years, it in my opinion has become not so user friendly. The Transit App is simple and straightforward.
I’m a New Yorker that only take public transit have not owned a car in years. You got it down! You explain it clearly and great video quality! I have not looked at your other videos but you should do one on each of NYC transit systems. Like how to get to Newark airport, taking a ferry, navigating Port Authority bus terminal, etc.
Going on my first solo trip to New York in a couple of months and this helped alleviate a lot of anxiety- thank you for taking the time to make a video explaining all the details. So thorough!
This video covers nearly everything you need to know about taking the bus in NYC. I am really impressed how thorough it is! Please pay special attention to the part about SBS buses. The only thing I would add is that now in 2023 OMNY cards are much easier to find (at drug stores). I prefer the card because it is faster and safer than taking your expensive phone out of your pocket or bag, waking the phone up, and putting in your thumbprint or password to open your credit card app. Or waving your credit card around. But that's just how I roll. You do you.
This is EXCELLENT. To just show up at a subway station needing to know this will yield total frustration. This video is what you need to know about everything. Be prepared and watch it.
That is soooo useful!I'm the newly enrolled international NYU student. I felt so confused about riding buses because its diversified payment methods and bus types and routes before, so I met trouble and felt intimidated boarding a bus again. Now I get it that the select bus service is different from other types in terms of paying tickets. That's valuable!!! Now I can feel confident riding a bus again haha. Thank you!
There are two very important aspects of the Express Bus that you did not mention. First, once you board an Express Bus, you cannot get off the bus until it gets to the other borough. For example, if you board a BxM bus in Manhattan, the earliest stop you can get off the bus is the first stop in the Bronx; intra-borough trips are not allowed on Express Buses. Second, you cannot board an Express Bus that originated from another borough. This one is obvious because the bus stop will say "Drop off only" for the Express Bus. This is to enforce the rule I just mentioned; intra-borough trips are not allowed on Express Buses. So if you are in the Bronx and a BxM bus coming from Manhattan stops at your bus stop, you are not allowed to get on because the only trip you can possibly make on this bus is another stop in the Bronx (the borough you are already in) and that is not allowed. These rules are to prevent (impatient or rich) people from using the Express Bus as a swanky expensive local bus service (which will slow down service) and to prevent the possibility of people getting on and off the bus at the same stop (causing collisions at the the front of the bus because there is no back door) by making stops "pick up only" in the origin borough and "drop off only" in the destination borough.
Incredibly helpful and clear. It also exposes all the inconsistencies and obstacles in the bus system. Perhaps the city bus authority should take a look at this video too! Well done.
So helpful! I recently moved to New York and take the subway all the time, but the bus system has been too confusing and intimidating for me to try yet. Now I feel like I can give it a shot☺️
A great video - I'm planning to use busses the entire time 5 days while in the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island). Thanks so much for making it easy to understand.
Another superb addition to your living in/traveling to NYC series. The quantity of info, the quality of that info and the ease at which you make understanding all that info with your narration and supporting graphics is truly amazing. Thank you for all your hard work and producing this valuable resource.
This was super helpful and cleared up the confusion I had around NYC buses. I'll put the knowledge to good use during our family Christmas trip to NYC in a couple weeks! Thanks, Thea!
thank you so much for this excellent clear video! I love to use public transportation wherever I travel but knowing how board the bus or train without being THAT PERSON who doesn't know what they're doing and holds everything up gives me anxiety. I wish all "how to ride..." videos were as clear as yours! I have ridden the subway in NYC a number of times but it's been a while since I've ridden the bus and this was a great refresher.
Thank you for the video. Recently moved to NYC and have been unsure how to use and pay for the bus system. This really helped me understand this part of the public transit in NYC. I will be trying out the bus this weekend when heading to the airport.
Express buses are more for commuters, although many of them do run daily. Good job mentioning the difference, because there are lots of them in Manhattan. They are useful especially for those living in Staten Island.
Another tip: some bus lines, such as the M15 (the busiest line in the system), will have local and select divisions. I was in New York the other week and I got on a SBS M15 instead of the local one and I ended up six blocks further than my destination before I could get off. The local bus would have stopped at the exact block I wanted.
I’m a New Yorker that only take public transit have not owned a car in years. You got it down! You explain it clearly and great video quality! I have not looked at your other videos but you should do one on each of NYC transit systems. Like how to get to Newark airport, taking a ferry, navigating Port Authority bus terminal, etc. I bet a lot of people visiting NYC would love your videos!
Missed one thing on the S79 that is the only Select Bus Route where you have to pay like the other normal local routes Which means you have to pay in the front because S79 Bus stops don’t have ticket booths so in short you gotta pay normally with coins/metrocard in the front of the bus
This video was awesome! I've traveled a lot to transit heavy cities, but I haven't been to NYC since I was a kid and felt intimidated 😅thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Pretty comprehensive video! the only thing I would add is that, if you paid with cash and get a transfer from the bus driver, note that that transfer will NOT work on trains, only other local, limited, and SBS buses.
A thoughtfully well done content. Thank you for your effort. 🙏 I am coming to NYC next thursday for the first time and trying to plan to navigate the city with out driving. 😊
Also OMNY effectively offers unlimited rides now. From Monday -Sunday after you pay for 12 rides every ride is free during the week. It resets every Monday .
I visited New York several times between 2002 and 2010. My favourite bus trip was to take the Subway R line to one stop before its terminus at Bay Ridge then get the bus, I think it was the S79, over the bridge across the narrows to Staten Island Mall. While I was there I would get lunch and then take another bus, S44 I think, the the St George ferry terminal then the ferry back to Manhattan and eventually PATH back toJersey City and my hotel. As for the fare system, Americans do seem to like to make things complicated. Here in London it’s considered normal to thank the driver when you det off a bus, but that does not seem to be the case there. We have express buses but there are only three routes. One of them runs onlyat peak times and in the peak direction but the other two run all day. Unlike your express routes the dares are the same as for normal buses. I think buses are an underrated form of transport.
M103 looks like route 27 in Madrid. It goes right along Paseo de la Castellana, one of the most important streets in Madrid, and you can see everything!
I'm a transit buff and I have something to say that you missed in your video! If it's snowing or raining hard, MTA (sometimes) will send out 40 foot (short or standard buses) on articulated bus lines (the buses with the rubber extension thingy in the middle). The, short, 40 ft, "standard" buses might run on +selectbusservice routes and will not have the teal, blue, and gold color that are on buses designed for +selectbusservice. So you have to look carefully at the destination luminators on the sides and top of the bus.
if you're connecting between lines in a trip (buses or subway trains). As long as you get on the next vehicle within 2 hrs of paying for the first one, it's a transfer.
here's a wiki link describing the history of NYC buses & its routes. Most of the routes are run as "MTA New York City Bus"; which is operated by New York City Transit Authority/TA/Transit & its subsidiary Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA), these were taken over by NYC before 2005. There's also some routes that are displayed on each side of the bus as "MTA Bus". The routes currently operating under "MTA Bus/MTA Bus Company" were previously administered by the New York City Department of Transportation & operated by seven private companies at the time of the city's takeover. The local routes under "MTA Bus" are mostly concentrated in Queens, with 1 route in The Bronx (Bx23), 2 in Brooklyn (B103 *LIMITED* + B100), and most express bus service from Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx to Manhattan. Also, all Bronx express buses serve north of 59th St within Manhattan. Most BxM routes serve the Upper East Side, some serve parts of the Upper West Side, some serve parts of East Harlem, & Inwood; (which Inwood is @ the very top of Manhattan.) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTA_Regional_Bus_Operations 1: all BxM, most BM & most QM express routes are run under MTA Bus & operated by MTA Bus Company. The 7 express routes displayed with an *X*: 3 from Queens (X63, X64, X68) & 4 from Brooklyn (X27, X28, X37 & X38) run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT). 2: all (M) local routes run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT), and its subsidiary Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA) 3: all (Bx) local routes run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT), and its subsidiary Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA); *except the Bx23*, which the Bx23 runs under MTA Bus & operated by "MTA Bus Company" 4: all (B) local routes run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT); *except the B103 *LIMITED* & B100* which these two routes run under MTA Bus & operated by "MTA Bus Company" 5: all Staten Island buses (local routes "S" & express routes "SIM") run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT) Queens local routes under New York City Bus & operated by New York City Transit Authority (NYCT): Q1, Q2, Q3✈(*JFK*), Q4, Q5, Q12, Q13, Q15/Q15A, Q16, Q17, Q20A/Q20B, Q24, Q26, Q27, Q28, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q36, Q42, Q43, Q44 SBS, Q46, Q48✈(*Laguardia*), Q54, Q55, Q56, Q58, Q59, Q76, Q77, Q83, Q84, Q85 & Q88 Queens local routes under MTA Bus & operated by MTA Bus Company: Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10✈(*JFK*), Q11, Q18, Q19, Q21, Q22, Q23, Q25, Q29, Q33, Q34, Q35, Q37, Q38, Q39, Q40, Q41, Q47✈(*Laguardia*), Q49, Q50 *LIMITED*, Q52 SBS, Q53 SBS, Q60, Q64, Q65, Q66, Q67, Q69, Q70 SBS✈(*Laguardia*), Q72✈(*Laguardia*), Q100 *LIMITED*, Q101, Q102, Q103, Q104, Q110, Q111, Q112, Q113 *LIMITED* & Q114 *LIMITED*; Q114 local service replaces Q114 *LIMITED* evenings & late nights)
Staten island limited buses only run rush hour way plus different numbers. So a S44 local, the limited version is S94. The S94 will run to the Staten Island Ferry in the AM rush and to the Staten island mall PM rush. The S89 runs to NJ and the S93 will run the whole day between bay ridge Brooklyn and College of Staten island every weekday even non rush hour
One route in Staten Island is Route S89 which travels over the Bayonne Bridge into NJ to connect to the Hudson Bergen Light Rail of NJ Transit for travel into Jersey City and Hoboken.
Your videos are ultra informative and so enjoyable to view. I have a question about the select bus service. If you're able to board and pay at the back door (where there is no driver), how is payment enforced? Can't you just walk past the omni thing without paying? Am I missing something?
You basically figured out why transit in New York is struggling with their annual budget. Fare skipping is definitely a thing that happens & people don't snitch because we don't know how dire the person's finances could be - maybe they're only getting their paycheck later that day. In principle, it's better to pay as long as you can afford to.
Thats true and thats why people get away with it because its so commong these days. People just slide into the bus from the back doors and get free rides. Im not hating because I always mostly pay but on rides where I only need 1-2 stops i do that. In many rare cases the consequence of someone not paying on the select bus would be that officers would ride on board anf can fine you an $100 ticket if you get caught for not paying. It mostly happens on popular bus lanes/roads and select buses
perfect! looking forward to my first trip to new york in july. can't wait to catch the q60 over the queensboro bridge...it'll be just like the opening of taxi.
Trust me .. Uh are really making videos on that topic which beginners needs.. like me it will be my first time and I found this video helpful and subway video and Roosevelt island .. wow God bless You
I lived in NYC 16 years ago. And haven’t been back since. Would you say the bus is safer than other means of mass transit, bc no way will I take a subway ever again.
For the select bus service: After you get your ticket from the machine, do you board the bus in front and insert the ticket? Also, do you have to do this for each select bus service you use, or will one ticket cover another one?
hey Urbane Caffine & everyone else who's watched this video, it's true that the free transfer works from subway to local bus, also local bus to subway & local bus to local bus (different route #'s for the local buses) . Free transfers not applied if using a 7-day ($33) or 30-day ($127) unlimited pass between local buses & subway, or if transferring from local bus or subway, to an express bus 👍. Couple additions though: A. The free transfer is actually good for slightly over 2 hours; like maybe 2 hr/15 to 20 min B. Just found out today that you can also transfer free from express bus to express bus; as lough as the transfer is made in the 2 hr/15 to 20 min time frame from when you originally paid the $6.75 fare & that the route #'s for the express buses are different 1. My mom today had $19 on her metrocard, she 1st used it on the QM2 express bus from Queens to midtown/Manhattan to pay the $6.75; now left with $12.25. She then used her same metrocard with $12.25 left, to then transfer for the BM3 express bus to Brooklyn & its was a 100% free transfer 👍. 2. Say you're starting with an express bus, if you have a 7-day pass ($33) or 30-day pass ($127) + cash value ($6.75) on the same metrocard, it'll take the $6.75 1st. When you then transfer to a local bus or the subway, it'll take the unlimited pass 👍. 3. Say you're starting with a local bus or subway, if you have a 7-day pass ($33) or 30-day pass ($127) + cash value ($4) on the same metrocard, it'll take the unlimited pass 1st; the $4 in value stays there. When you then transfer to an express bus, it'll then take the $4. FYI, the unlimited pass & cash value on your merocard work in-sync with each other 👍.
And also with the transfer as well you can’t use the transfer on a bus/buses that are on the same route for example you can’t use $2.75 on a m101 then use the transfer on a m102 or 103 cause they all run on 3rd and lex aves
I'm traveling with my two kids 9,14. When I get on the bus, do I put my metro card in 3 separate times or do I have to buy them their own card? Second question... do i get a receipt after paying with metro card so i can prove i paid?
The buses don't automatically stop at each stop. They will if someone is at the stop waiting to board, or if someone has requested to get off (pushed the button). But in Manhattan midday, the buses tend to be busy enough that there's always someone getting on and off at each stop so it seems like they stop at every stop.
Local buses make all stops, but if there are no passengers waiting at bus stop or no one getting off at that stop, bus skips. Sometimes when buses bunches, some bus skips depends if passenger on that buses that get off or not. All Select Bus Service on B44 SBS, B46 SBS, B82 SBS, Bx12 SBS, Bx41 SBS, M15 SBS, M23 SBS, M34/A SBS, M60 SBS, M79 SBS, M86 SBS, Q44 Sbs, Q52/Q53 SBS, LaGuardiaLink Q70 SBS, you pay at Select Bus Service station with MetroCard/coin at Fare Collector to get receipt, or use OMNY reader (no receipt require). Only SBS you pay on farebox is S79 SBS.
Thanks Thea for making a video about the buses in NYC. I don't think there're a lot of videos about that. Never knew what the letter of a bus route means until now... that make senses. Question: have you ever waited at a bus stop, and you saw the bus, but the bus skipped you? Do you have to wait at the bus to come to you to the bus stop?
There was only one time that the bus skipped me even though I was standing at the bus stop. I was mad at first but then I saw there was another one right behind it. I'm guessing the first one was trying to get ahead of the second one so it skipped me. 🤔 I wait for the bus to stop at the bus stop. Unless there's a car or another bus blocking the bus stop, the bus will just kinda stop close enough and I walk to it (in which case, I wave at them to let them know I'm going to board).
Also Transdev NICE Bus uses "n" prefix because it was once run by MTA under Long Island Bus, which stands for "Nassau County". There are rules on NICE Bus routes in Queens. In Queens: Queens-bound n1, n4/4X, n6/6X, n20G, n22/X, n24, n26 bus is not allow to pickup Passengers in Queens, since it only stop for drop off. Nassau County-bound n1, n4/4X, n6/6X, n20G, n22/X, n24, n26 bus is not allow to drop off passengers in Queens until city line because it consider Nassau County pickup only. Only buses that you can use in Queen is Far Rockaway on n31, n32 and n33 buses.
We're going this weekend. And since a large part of the E line for the subway is down in one direction, we need to take a bus to get to the Circle Line cruises from Midtown. We have 3 people going. So, I assume that we just put the Metro card in 3 times when we board?
So when I have paid with OMNY and after 1 hour bus ride I will go the the metro and scan the same credit card a metro gate will let me in without charging my card ? Or how it works ? So 1 transfer to any type of mentioned transportation within 2 hours from buying first time ?
UPDATES:
(1) The express buses no longer accepts coins/cash.
(2) The Select Bus Service (SBS) now accepts OMNY. So you can pay with your credit card when you board.
Thank you very much for a great video, it convinced me to subscribe! I am just wondering how the driver of an express bus knows that I am transferring from another bus or the subway (how to pay only 4 dollars instead of 6.75, and is that possible with an unlimited Metrocard (since it's not valid for Express buses).
@@Bellasie1 Hi there. From what I understand, the machine will know that the MetroCard you are using was recently used on a subway/bus. So it will only charge the difference. I'm not sure about unlimited.
Thank god
@@Bellasie1 yes it is if you have leftover value fare on the same unlimited card you pay the difference between express buses and the trains as in $3.75 after you use trains or local buses first. So yes it’s possible to only pay $3.75 on an express bus this is only possible with an unlimited card
Or paper transfer GOOD
Love it. I feel like a tourist in New York City. I’ve been living here for 32 years.
Thanks. Glad it's a useful video even for someone living here. 😊
Second time in NYC, first time riding the bus. Thanks for alleviating my anxiety about public transportation. I’m from SoCal, we drive everywhere!!
@kurtradelow
I live in SoCal and exclusively use the Transit App, I love it. I previously was a user of the L.A. Metro App and over the last few years, it in my opinion has become not so user friendly. The Transit App is simple and straightforward.
I appreciate your hardwork making these. I can't imagine how long they take, but they are so helpful. Love the maps.
Thank you very much! I won't lie, they do take time to make. But it's always a pleasure.
How do you tell them your stop is next if you have no idea where you are
I’m a New Yorker that only take public transit have not owned a car in years. You got it down! You explain it clearly and great video quality! I have not looked at your other videos but you should do one on each of NYC transit systems. Like how to get to Newark airport, taking a ferry, navigating Port Authority bus terminal, etc.
Me either
The expensive rents yes. But pros are no car needed logical public transport
Going on my first solo trip to New York in a couple of months and this helped alleviate a lot of anxiety- thank you for taking the time to make a video explaining all the details. So thorough!
This video covers nearly everything you need to know about taking the bus in NYC. I am really impressed how thorough it is! Please pay special attention to the part about SBS buses. The only thing I would add is that now in 2023 OMNY cards are much easier to find (at drug stores). I prefer the card because it is faster and safer than taking your expensive phone out of your pocket or bag, waking the phone up, and putting in your thumbprint or password to open your credit card app. Or waving your credit card around.
But that's just how I roll. You do you.
This is EXCELLENT. To just show up at a subway station needing to know this will yield total frustration. This video is what you need to know about everything. Be prepared and watch it.
That is soooo useful!I'm the newly enrolled international NYU student. I felt so confused about riding buses because its diversified payment methods and bus types and routes before, so I met trouble and felt intimidated boarding a bus again. Now I get it that the select bus service is different from other types in terms of paying tickets. That's valuable!!! Now I can feel confident riding a bus again haha. Thank you!
Awesome! Enjoy New York! 😎
There are two very important aspects of the Express Bus that you did not mention. First, once you board an Express Bus, you cannot get off the bus until it gets to the other borough. For example, if you board a BxM bus in Manhattan, the earliest stop you can get off the bus is the first stop in the Bronx; intra-borough trips are not allowed on Express Buses. Second, you cannot board an Express Bus that originated from another borough. This one is obvious because the bus stop will say "Drop off only" for the Express Bus. This is to enforce the rule I just mentioned; intra-borough trips are not allowed on Express Buses. So if you are in the Bronx and a BxM bus coming from Manhattan stops at your bus stop, you are not allowed to get on because the only trip you can possibly make on this bus is another stop in the Bronx (the borough you are already in) and that is not allowed. These rules are to prevent (impatient or rich) people from using the Express Bus as a swanky expensive local bus service (which will slow down service) and to prevent the possibility of people getting on and off the bus at the same stop (causing collisions at the the front of the bus because there is no back door) by making stops "pick up only" in the origin borough and "drop off only" in the destination borough.
The city should pay you for this, not just youtube... Great Work!
Incredibly helpful and clear. It also exposes all the inconsistencies and obstacles in the bus system. Perhaps the city bus authority should take a look at this video too! Well done.
I'm becoming big fan of yours, your explanation is outstanding exactly what I'm looking for, thank you for making such a wonderful content!
My pleasure! Thank you for engaging.
Don't know how you were able to tackle and simplify such a complex topic, thanks! love your videos
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching 😊
So helpful! I recently moved to New York and take the subway all the time, but the bus system has been too confusing and intimidating for me to try yet. Now I feel like I can give it a shot☺️
A great video - I'm planning to use busses the entire time 5 days while in the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island). Thanks so much for making it easy to understand.
Another superb addition to your living in/traveling to NYC series. The quantity of info, the quality of that info and the ease at which you make understanding all that info with your narration and supporting graphics is truly amazing. Thank you for all your hard work and producing this valuable resource.
Always a pleasure! Thanks for such kind comments.
This was super helpful and cleared up the confusion I had around NYC buses. I'll put the knowledge to good use during our family Christmas trip to NYC in a couple weeks! Thanks, Thea!
Have a great holiday in New York!
I'm an incoming high schooler in NYC and this video is very helpful. Thank you!
thank you so much for this excellent clear video! I love to use public transportation wherever I travel but knowing how board the bus or train without being THAT PERSON who doesn't know what they're doing and holds everything up gives me anxiety. I wish all "how to ride..." videos were as clear as yours! I have ridden the subway in NYC a number of times but it's been a while since I've ridden the bus and this was a great refresher.
Thanks! I know what you mean. I didn't ride the bus for a long time when I first moved to NY.
Thank you for the video. Recently moved to NYC and have been unsure how to use and pay for the bus system. This really helped me understand this part of the public transit in NYC. I will be trying out the bus this weekend when heading to the airport.
I live in CT and the rides are free until December 1.
Express buses are more for commuters, although many of them do run daily. Good job mentioning the difference, because there are lots of them in Manhattan. They are useful especially for those living in Staten Island.
Yeah but they are not frequent enough and the SBS routes are still not frequent enough to be subway like especially ones like M34/A and 23
Your videos are so helpful, can't believe you aren't getting more views!
Much appreciated! Thanks for watching 😊 The channel is growing and looking hopeful🤞
I literally live in far rockaway and never understood this! Thank you!
There should be special thanks - button under video for supporting these very good videos!
I just discovered your RUclips channel. I learned a lot just now about the buses, thanks!!
8:09 Love your snark (in addition to the obvious, which is well-thought-out layout)
your video is the best out there when it comes to new york city
Thank you! 🙂
Thanks for sharing the information. Afraid to take buses in New York because of the confusion about the system, and you clear them up!
Taking a trip out to NY, plan on using the bus. This was helpful, thank you so much!
Another tip: some bus lines, such as the M15 (the busiest line in the system), will have local and select divisions. I was in New York the other week and I got on a SBS M15 instead of the local one and I ended up six blocks further than my destination before I could get off. The local bus would have stopped at the exact block I wanted.
I’m a New Yorker that only take public transit have not owned a car in years. You got it down! You explain it clearly and great video quality! I have not looked at your other videos but you should do one on each of NYC transit systems. Like how to get to Newark airport, taking a ferry, navigating Port Authority bus terminal, etc. I bet a lot of people visiting NYC would love your videos!
I appreciate it! Thanks for watching. I haven't driven a car in over 3 years now. I'm kinda scared to drive at this point. 😂
Missed one thing on the S79 that is the only Select Bus Route where you have to pay like the other normal local routes Which means you have to pay in the front because S79 Bus stops don’t have ticket booths so in short you gotta pay normally with coins/metrocard in the front of the bus
Also unlike other sbs buses, s79SBS does not use the light blue buses
@@KawasakiR211SBut they have the SBS destination signs
Excellent video about riding buses in NYC. Thanks for putting this together.
My pleasure! Thank you for watching.
This video was awesome! I've traveled a lot to transit heavy cities, but I haven't been to NYC since I was a kid and felt intimidated 😅thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Pretty comprehensive video! the only thing I would add is that, if you paid with cash and get a transfer from the bus driver, note that that transfer will NOT work on trains, only other local, limited, and SBS buses.
A thoughtfully well done content. Thank you for your effort. 🙏 I am coming to NYC next thursday for the first time and trying to plan to navigate the city with out driving. 😊
I will definitely use these tips on my trip for the 4th of July 🗽. Thank you this was very helpful and informative 👍👍
Love this video for lots of information
Also OMNY effectively offers unlimited rides now. From Monday -Sunday after you pay for 12 rides every ride is free during the week. It resets every Monday .
I visited New York several times between 2002 and 2010. My favourite bus trip was to take the Subway R line to one stop before its terminus at Bay Ridge then get the bus, I think it was the S79, over the bridge across the narrows to Staten Island Mall. While I was there I would get lunch and then take another bus, S44 I think, the the St George ferry terminal then the ferry back to Manhattan and eventually PATH back toJersey City and my hotel.
As for the fare system, Americans do seem to like to make things complicated.
Here in London it’s considered normal to thank the driver when you det off a bus, but that does not seem to be the case there.
We have express buses but there are only three routes. One of them runs onlyat peak times and in the peak direction but the other two run all day. Unlike your express routes the dares are the same as for normal buses. I think buses are an underrated form of transport.
This is so helpful for when I will visit New York as a tourist. Very clear! Thank you
Have fun! I hope you have a great trip 😊
Thank you for information about children fares.
Bravo! Perfect work. That's exactly what I was wondering about, how it works. Now I know. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much! I love taking the bus. I wish it didn't have such a learning curve.
Thanks for making this video
Thanks! very insightful!!
M103 looks like route 27 in Madrid. It goes right along Paseo de la Castellana, one of the most important streets in Madrid, and you can see everything!
I should have watched this video before my trip to NY. I learned from my mistakes the hard way...lol. great video...very comprehensive
I'm a transit buff and I have something to say that you missed in your video!
If it's snowing or raining hard, MTA (sometimes) will send out 40 foot (short or standard buses) on articulated bus lines (the buses with the rubber extension thingy in the middle).
The, short, 40 ft, "standard" buses might run on +selectbusservice routes and will not have the teal, blue, and gold color that are on buses designed for +selectbusservice. So you have to look carefully at the destination luminators on the sides and top of the bus.
Excellent; thank you!
What is a transfer? Thanks for sharing, this information is very important.
if you're connecting between lines in a trip (buses or subway trains). As long as you get on the next vehicle within 2 hrs of paying for the first one, it's a transfer.
pennies do work on MTA buses, they just don't like using them cuz it would take too long. Dollar coins also work.
This was very helpful- thank you!
here's a wiki link describing the history of NYC buses & its routes. Most of the routes are run as "MTA New York City Bus"; which is operated by New York City Transit Authority/TA/Transit & its subsidiary Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA), these were taken over by NYC before 2005. There's also some routes that are displayed on each side of the bus as "MTA Bus". The routes currently operating under "MTA Bus/MTA Bus Company" were previously administered by the New York City Department of Transportation & operated by seven private companies at the time of the city's takeover. The local routes under "MTA Bus" are mostly concentrated in Queens, with 1 route in The Bronx (Bx23), 2 in Brooklyn (B103 *LIMITED* + B100), and most express bus service from Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx to Manhattan. Also, all Bronx express buses serve north of 59th St within Manhattan. Most BxM routes serve the Upper East Side, some serve parts of the Upper West Side, some serve parts of East Harlem, & Inwood; (which Inwood is @ the very top of Manhattan.) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTA_Regional_Bus_Operations
1: all BxM, most BM & most QM express routes are run under MTA Bus & operated by MTA Bus Company. The 7 express routes displayed with an *X*: 3 from Queens (X63, X64, X68) & 4 from Brooklyn (X27, X28, X37 & X38) run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT).
2: all (M) local routes run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT), and its subsidiary Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA)
3: all (Bx) local routes run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT), and its subsidiary Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA); *except the Bx23*, which the Bx23 runs under MTA Bus & operated by "MTA Bus Company"
4: all (B) local routes run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT); *except the B103 *LIMITED* & B100* which these two routes run under MTA Bus & operated by "MTA Bus Company"
5: all Staten Island buses (local routes "S" & express routes "SIM") run as New York City Bus & are operated by the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT)
Queens local routes under New York City Bus & operated by New York City Transit Authority (NYCT): Q1, Q2, Q3✈(*JFK*), Q4, Q5, Q12, Q13, Q15/Q15A, Q16, Q17, Q20A/Q20B, Q24, Q26, Q27, Q28, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q36, Q42, Q43, Q44 SBS, Q46, Q48✈(*Laguardia*), Q54, Q55, Q56, Q58, Q59, Q76, Q77, Q83, Q84, Q85 & Q88
Queens local routes under MTA Bus & operated by MTA Bus Company: Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10✈(*JFK*), Q11, Q18, Q19, Q21, Q22, Q23, Q25, Q29, Q33, Q34, Q35, Q37, Q38, Q39, Q40, Q41, Q47✈(*Laguardia*), Q49, Q50 *LIMITED*, Q52 SBS, Q53 SBS, Q60, Q64, Q65, Q66, Q67, Q69, Q70 SBS✈(*Laguardia*), Q72✈(*Laguardia*), Q100 *LIMITED*, Q101, Q102, Q103, Q104, Q110, Q111, Q112, Q113 *LIMITED* & Q114 *LIMITED*; Q114 local service replaces Q114 *LIMITED* evenings & late nights)
I love how you explain, very useful even for new yorkers :v
Staten island limited buses only run rush hour way plus different numbers. So a S44 local, the limited version is S94. The S94 will run to the Staten Island Ferry in the AM rush and to the Staten island mall PM rush. The S89 runs to NJ and the S93 will run the whole day between bay ridge Brooklyn and College of Staten island every weekday even non rush hour
One route in Staten Island is Route S89 which travels over the Bayonne Bridge into NJ to connect to the Hudson Bergen Light Rail of NJ Transit for travel into Jersey City and Hoboken.
Superb! Lucid! Passenger-friendly!--- Thanks for uploading! Please keep up the Good Work!
Thank you too! 😊
Such an informative video. Thank you for presenting to us this!
Your videos are ultra informative and so enjoyable to view. I have a question about the select bus service. If you're able to board and pay at the back door (where there is no driver), how is payment enforced? Can't you just walk past the omni thing without paying? Am I missing something?
You basically figured out why transit in New York is struggling with their annual budget. Fare skipping is definitely a thing that happens & people don't snitch because we don't know how dire the person's finances could be - maybe they're only getting their paycheck later that day.
In principle, it's better to pay as long as you can afford to.
Thats true and thats why people get away with it because its so commong these days. People just slide into the bus from the back doors and get free rides. Im not hating because I always mostly pay but on rides where I only need 1-2 stops i do that. In many rare cases the consequence of someone not paying on the select bus would be that officers would ride on board anf can fine you an $100 ticket if you get caught for not paying. It mostly happens on popular bus lanes/roads and select buses
You are like a New York City ambassador. :)
Thank you for making this great vid.....😊
great videos...very informative..i know ti was hard work making these.
thanks for the info
These videos are very helpful, thank you!
Thanks so much for the in depth overview!
This is very informative, and thank you so much for making this video. It was a great help.
perfect! looking forward to my first trip to new york in july. can't wait to catch the q60 over the queensboro bridge...it'll be just like the opening of taxi.
What is the name of the app to download the bus itineraries.?
Trust me .. Uh are really making videos on that topic which beginners needs.. like me it will be my first time and I found this video helpful and subway video and Roosevelt island .. wow God bless You
My pleasure 😊 Thank you so much!
You do a great job. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Great video.
Good work 👍👍👍
What App you can recommend for the bus map?
MyMTA
Your video is so helpful. thank you
Thanks a lot for video and information. That helps much.
I lived in NYC 16 years ago. And haven’t been back since. Would you say the bus is safer than other means of mass transit, bc no way will I take a subway ever again.
I think it depends on the location. But generally, I feel better riding the bus than the subway.
For the select bus service: After you get your ticket from the machine, do you board the bus in front and insert the ticket? Also, do you have to do this for each select bus service you use, or will one ticket cover another one?
Super helpful and comprehensive, thanks!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 😊
Thanks for the video. Greetings from Brazil.
Nice!
I appricate with your hard work
love this channel 🥺 , thank you so much !
Glad you enjoy it! 😊
Many thanks for this guide, that´s what I was looking for. :-)
Glad I could help!
hey Urbane Caffine & everyone else who's watched this video, it's true that the free transfer works from subway to local bus, also local bus to subway & local bus to local bus (different route #'s for the local buses) . Free transfers not applied if using a 7-day ($33) or 30-day ($127) unlimited pass between local buses & subway, or if transferring from local bus or subway, to an express bus 👍.
Couple additions though:
A. The free transfer is actually good for slightly over 2 hours; like maybe 2 hr/15 to 20 min
B. Just found out today that you can also transfer free from express bus to express bus; as lough as the transfer is made in the 2 hr/15 to 20 min time frame from when you originally paid the $6.75 fare & that the route #'s for the express buses are different
1. My mom today had $19 on her metrocard, she 1st used it on the QM2 express bus from Queens to midtown/Manhattan to pay the $6.75; now left with $12.25. She then used her same metrocard with $12.25 left, to then transfer for the BM3 express bus to Brooklyn & its was a 100% free transfer 👍.
2. Say you're starting with an express bus, if you have a 7-day pass ($33) or 30-day pass ($127) + cash value ($6.75) on the same metrocard, it'll take the $6.75 1st. When you then transfer to a local bus or the subway, it'll take the unlimited pass 👍.
3. Say you're starting with a local bus or subway, if you have a 7-day pass ($33) or 30-day pass ($127) + cash value ($4) on the same metrocard, it'll take the unlimited pass 1st; the $4 in value stays there. When you then transfer to an express bus, it'll then take the $4. FYI, the unlimited pass & cash value on your merocard work in-sync with each other 👍.
Thanks so much! FYI Burrow = Borough!
thank you for doing this , so helpful and your great at it. Thank You !
Thanks for watching!
And also with the transfer as well you can’t use the transfer on a bus/buses that are on the same route for example you can’t use $2.75 on a m101 then use the transfer on a m102 or 103 cause they all run on 3rd and lex aves
I'm traveling with my two kids 9,14. When I get on the bus, do I put my metro card in 3 separate times or do I have to buy them their own card? Second question... do i get a receipt after paying with metro card so i can prove i paid?
Question... If the bus stops at every stop automatically, then why do you have to push the button to let your driver know you are getting out?
The buses don't automatically stop at each stop. They will if someone is at the stop waiting to board, or if someone has requested to get off (pushed the button). But in Manhattan midday, the buses tend to be busy enough that there's always someone getting on and off at each stop so it seems like they stop at every stop.
@@UrbanCaffeine ok, we listened to that part twice and thought you said they will stop at every stop. Thanks for the great video
Local buses make all stops, but if there are no passengers waiting at bus stop or no one getting off at that stop, bus skips. Sometimes when buses bunches, some bus skips depends if passenger on that buses that get off or not.
All Select Bus Service on B44 SBS, B46 SBS, B82 SBS, Bx12 SBS, Bx41 SBS, M15 SBS, M23 SBS, M34/A SBS, M60 SBS, M79 SBS, M86 SBS, Q44 Sbs, Q52/Q53 SBS, LaGuardiaLink Q70 SBS, you pay at Select Bus Service station with MetroCard/coin at Fare Collector to get receipt, or use OMNY reader (no receipt require). Only SBS you pay on farebox is S79 SBS.
Thanks for sharing ..
Very clear instruction!
i saw differrnt bus maps on the j suttle bus so i think its from different bud depos in nuc
So for example someone is checking these printed tickets on the SBS bus? Like a controller ? Or the driver won't let you in without the ticket ?
Good information!
Thanks Thea for making a video about the buses in NYC.
I don't think there're a lot of videos about that.
Never knew what the letter of a bus route means until now... that make senses.
Question: have you ever waited at a bus stop, and you saw the bus, but the bus skipped you?
Do you have to wait at the bus to come to you to the bus stop?
There was only one time that the bus skipped me even though I was standing at the bus stop. I was mad at first but then I saw there was another one right behind it. I'm guessing the first one was trying to get ahead of the second one so it skipped me. 🤔 I wait for the bus to stop at the bus stop. Unless there's a car or another bus blocking the bus stop, the bus will just kinda stop close enough and I walk to it (in which case, I wave at them to let them know I'm going to board).
Also Transdev NICE Bus uses "n" prefix because it was once run by MTA under Long Island Bus, which stands for "Nassau County".
There are rules on NICE Bus routes in Queens.
In Queens:
Queens-bound n1, n4/4X, n6/6X, n20G, n22/X, n24, n26 bus is not allow to pickup Passengers in Queens, since it only stop for drop off.
Nassau County-bound n1, n4/4X, n6/6X, n20G, n22/X, n24, n26 bus is not allow to drop off passengers in Queens until city line because it consider Nassau County pickup only.
Only buses that you can use in Queen is Far Rockaway on n31, n32 and n33 buses.
@@s89hblr Nice. Thanks for sharing. The ferry ride to Far Rockaway beach is nice too!
We're going this weekend. And since a large part of the E line for the subway is down in one direction, we need to take a bus to get to the Circle Line cruises from Midtown. We have 3 people going. So, I assume that we just put the Metro card in 3 times when we board?
You put the Metrocard once and it will give 3 transfers. You don’t have to dip it 3 times
Good video. So much information 👍
Thanks for watching!
So when I have paid with OMNY and after 1 hour bus ride I will go the the metro and scan the same credit card a metro gate will let me in without charging my card ? Or how it works ? So 1 transfer to any type of mentioned transportation within 2 hours from buying first time ?