Schools distribute student MetroCards to eligible students at the beginning of each semester, and as needed during the school year.
You can immediately use your student MetroCard at every subway and local bus. Student MetroCards cannot be used on express buses.
Student MetroCards are:
- Different from “regular” MetroCards sold to the public
- Good for three trips each school day; allowing a student to travel to school, from school to an after-school activity, and from that activity to home
- Only to be used by the student to whom it was assigned
- For traveling to and from school and school-related activities between 5:30AM and 8:30PM
- For traveling only on days when the student’s school is open for classes
- Valid for one school semester
Extra Credit Raffle Contest
Student MetroCard Raffle Flyer
Purpose
Extra Credit encourages MetroCard usage among students and is aimed at developing a habit of swiping. Students who swipe their MetroCards will be entered to win a Meta Quest 2. Each additional swipe increases the chance a student may win.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the Extra Credit program, students must be enrolled as a high school student in grades 9-12 within the designated citywide area (5 boroughs). Participation is limited to students who possess valid student MetroCards and must be the ones using the cards.
Only swipes during the hours of 6 AM to 9 AM Est and 2 PM to 5 PM are considered an entry.
Rewards
Each week, 5 Meta Quest 2’s will be raffled (1 per borough) starting on May 6 and running for 4 consecutive weeks. Prizes may change depending on student feedback. Serial numbers of MetroCards will be chosen at random for each borough. Once a borough has a winner, that borough can no longer have a winner for that week. Serial numbers will continue to be randomly drawn until each borough has a single winner.
Prizes must be picked up by the student and a legal guardian at MTA HQ at 2 Broadway. Pickup times for 2 Broadway will be from Monday-Friday 3PM – 5:30PM (after school hours). Legal guardian must sign a “Release form and receipt” before the prize can be handed over.
Winner Notification
The MTA will post the last 7 digits of the winning MetroCard’s serial number on a dedicated webpage (Link). There may be instances where a winner is announced but the prize is not claimed (if student has lost or sold their card). In these instances, no additional serial numbers will be announced.
Types of Student MetroCards
Full-fare student MetroCards allow students to travel to and from school and school-related activities by bus and subway at no cost; visit the transportation eligibility page for more information.
There is a special four-way student MetroCard for students whose trip to school requires more than one transfer each way; you must request this type of card at your school.
Other MetroCard types for extended services or school approved programs may be available in certain circumstances and are subject to approval by your school and the DOE. Please contact your school for more information.
What are School Approved Programs?
School approved programs can be but are not limited to; academic programs such as tutoring, regents prep and college-now classes, academic programs on Saturdays, and community service. School principals determine what activities are considered “school-related” or “school approved”. Your school is then able to provide MetroCards for these activities since the school assumes responsibility for the activity, even if it is beyond the classroom and the physical school building location.
What Happens if You are Denied a Student MetroCard?
If you are denied a MetroCard you request from your school, you can reach out to OPT Customer Service at (718) 392-8855. Please tell the customer service agent that you were denied a MetroCard and get an incident number.
Using your Student Metrocard on a Bus
Hold the card with the word “MetroCard” facing you. Insert the card into the slot on the top of the fare box and wait for it to pop up back out to you.
Using your Student MetroCard on the Subway
Hold the card with the word "MetroCard” facing you right side up. Without lifting the card, slide it through the slot on the turnstile.
Bus Transfers
Using your MetroCard on a bus at the start your trip will place a free transfer on your card. Then you can continue your trip for free on the subway or bus if you transfer within 2 hours. When you swipe or dip again, the little window will say “Transfer OK.”
If Your Card Doesn’t Work
Make sure you are using your MetroCard the right way. If you have trouble, ask the station agent or the bus operator for help. If your card still doesn’t work, return it to your school for a replacement.
If Your Card is Lost or Stolen
Report lost or stolen school MetroCards to your school right away. Your school will deactivate the missing card and provide a new one.