Child Fares on the Subway and Bus?
The MTA raised it's fares on Sunday. You may not have noticed (like I didn't) because the base fare is still $2, but if you buy a MetroCard the discounted price is now less discounted.
The news of the fare increase brought back to mind this burning question I've had for the last year or so, "When exactly do we start paying for our kids to ride the subway." I've gotten so used to shuffling them under the turnstile, it occurred to me that at some point I'm probably supposed to start paying for kids to ride the subway.
Well, I looked it up and children are supposed to pay full fare when they are over 44 inches. By my calculations that means that you should start paying for your child when they are about 5 years old. Um, right, perfect timing...for my second child.
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The kids can get MTA bus
The kids can get MTA bus cards through school unless they are already signed up to ride a free Atlantic Express bus. These passes work on school days. Sometimes the drivers ask to see them, but usually they just want you to hurry along and don't even ask.
The answer is tricky. My 5
The answer is tricky. My 5 year old has a school issued metro card for school days. On weekends we have struggled with the answer.
44 inches when they're
44 inches when they're standing up or lying down? Maybe we can catch them on a technicality.
The de facto limit is well
The de facto limit is well over 44 inches.
My 48-incher has just started using his school-issued card, and it is clear that the bus drivers would rather that he and all the other kids from his school on the bus did not.
Ride a rollercoaster, ride
Ride a rollercoaster, ride the subway? Same inchage requirements. Hey, if they don't have a measuring stick, I say keep shoving them under for a while!!!
Ha, Kristy, that's very
Ha, Kristy, that's very funny. And riding the subway with kids can be scary, thrilling, an adventure. Love it!
I've been paying for my
I've been paying for my grandkids for years - too bad I didn't know this when they were shorter!
Btw, thanks again for the ticket to ExecuMom's luncheon today. Lots of camps as well as other information - and a great buffet!
Beth
Unfortunately, if your child
Unfortunately, if your child is younger than 5 and is already 44 inches (and taller) they STILL cannot get a school issues card! ARGH!!!
I've been looking up
I've been looking up articles on taking public transportation with kids to prepare for a trip, and this one seems like it has pretty good tips and advice. Some of the things I just never would have thought of, even though they are common sense.
www.parentzing.com
It's also funny in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way.
i also found a good post on www.travelwithyourkids.com although the first post is more comprehensive (and funnier to read).
Any other suggestions?
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