Subway Savings
Subway fares are going up!
On Dec. 30, 2010 subway fares are scheduled to rise from $2.25 to $2.50
The bonus will change as follows:
-A $10.00 or greater amount will be needed to get the bonus (currently $8.00)
-The bonus will be 7% (currently 15%)
A $1.00 fee will be charged when buying a new metrocard.
Unlimited ride cards will be refillable. This allows the MTA to charge the $1.00 fee for new unlimited ride cards, too.
IIRC, an expired or expiring card can be traded in for a new card without the fee.
Here are a few suggestions:
1) Buy several metrocards before the scheduled increases. This will provide you with an instant 8% savings, based on the 15% bonus they currently come with. Also, this gives you several metrocards, just in case you ever need more than one and want to avoid the upcoming $1.00 fee for a new one.
2) Use an online metrocard bonus calculator (Google it) to see what amount should be put on your card for a specific amount of rides without leaving any money over on your card after the last ride.
A couple of caveats: