New York has one of the oldest and most complete transportation systems in the world. It is a city where it's not necessary to have a car, and most times, it's much easier to use public transportation than it is to drive yourself. With more than 5 million people using New York City transportation every day, it is safe, reliable, and inexpensive.
If you need help with directions, most train stations have maps and brochures to help guide you and there are also a multitude of Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) smartphone applications that can be downloaded.
TRAIN LINES: Green lines 4, 5 o 6 run North to South to the East of Manhattan from the Bronx to Brooklyn. Red lines 1, 2 y 3 run North to South to the West of Manhattan from the Bronx to Brooklyn. Lines 7 runs East to West from Queens to Manhattan 42nd Street (Times Square). **not sure what line this is**. Blue lines A, C y Erun North to South to the West of Manhattan. Lines N, Q y R run horizontally from Queens, arriving in the center of Manhattan, and continue South towards Brooklyn.
SECURITY: The trains operate 24 hours a day and at night, but the nighttime services are usually a little less frequent. Most, if not all, train stations are monitored with security cameras and police surveillance. While there is almost always a camera or two in the train stations, you should still be careful and stay alert – especially if you're traveling alone and/or at nighttime. There are many people who spend their days going from train to train trying to sell tickets, “cheap” MetroCards, movies, CD's, etc., however, don't ever feel pressured to buy anything. There are a lot of undercover police watching in the stations and one simple mistake could ruin your vacation.
THE METROCARD: A MetroCard is what you need to purchase in order to ride any of the trains and busses. The cost of a MetroCard varies depending on what you're looking to do, but there is a fee of $1.00 the first time you purchase a card. Once you have a card, you can keep re-filling it without paying the $1.00 charge. A single bus trip is $2.50, and a single train ride is $2.75. If you purchase a single train ride, you have a 2 hour window to use that card as many times as you want. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard is $30 and can be used on the trains or busses as many times as you would like. If you're spending a whole month in New York City, you can purchase an unlimited MetroCard for $112. All types of MetroCards can be purchased through the machines in the train stations.
EXPRESS BUS SERVICE While visiting New York City, you also have the option of traveling on an express bus for a slightly higher rate. The MTA also operates trains that travel outside of the five boroughs: Current rates of the MTA web.mta.info Promotions offered by the MTA in agreement with New York City attractions web.mta.info/metrocard Maps of the MTA web.mta.info/maps The MTA also manages the trains leaving from outside the five districts as are: •Long Island Rail Road: The Long Island Rail Road passes through all of the towns in Long Island. People living in Queens can also take this route in order to get to their destination quicker. •Metro-North Railroad: This train goes North of New York City, stopping in the suburbs of Westchester, and going all the way to Connecticut. •Staten Island Railway: This railway operates to and from Staten Island. People living or traveling to/from Staten Island can also take the ferry to Manhattan which is completely free.
Our Advice:
Do not forget to visit the New York Transit Museum more information: http://goo.gl/GHqHsL
TRAIN LINES: www.mta.info/maps
For current bus rates, go to web.mta.info for more information.
Current rates of the MTA web.mta.info
Promotions offered by the MTA in agreement with New York City attractions web.mta.info/metrocard
Maps of the MTA web.mta.info/maps
