New Yorkers have simplified access to discounted subway and bus passes: what you need to know

The MTA has launched a new way to pay for public transport in New York, and it can save you money. The New York City Subway and Bus launched a program on Feb. 28 that automatically gives out unlimited passes to those who spend $33 on less than a week's fare, reports New York Daily News.

The program, officially named Best Fare, is only available to passengers using Omny, a new fare collection system developed by the agency.

Passes under the new Best Fare program are only available to passengers who spend enough money to travel from Monday to Sunday. For example, if a passenger buys 12 single tickets for $2,75 Monday through Thursday, they can use the same credit card or OMNY card and no more fares on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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There are some caveats to the program, officials say.

OMNY card punches at the same station or bus must be separated by at least 15 minutes to count towards the Unlimited Pass.

However, this program may not be beneficial for some passengers who use 30-day unlimited MetroCards, which cost $127. Let's do the math: with a base fare of $2,75 per ride, you can ride about 46 times a month for $127 per pass. For 30 days of the Best Fare program (which only covers weeks, not months), you will need to spend $132 on OMNY faucets. That is, 12 trips per week for four weeks, or 48 trips at the base rate of $2,75. After that, you will receive free rides.

Suburban trains to raise fares

The MTA commuter routes will also experience cost changes this week, including the return of peak fares from March 1st.

Since March 2020, Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road riders have only paid off-peak fares and have not had to buy more expensive tickets during peak hours. But now the rule of more expensive rush hour tickets is back.