Student MetroCards

Schools distribute student MetroCards to eligible students at the beginning of each semester of the school year. Student MetroCards are distinct from MetroCards used by the general public.

Student MetroCards are:

Only for use by the student to whom it was issued and whose name is written on the card.
Good for travel to and from school and school-related activities between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., only on days when the student’s school is in session.
Good for three trips each school day. Three trips allows a student to travel to school, from school to an after school activity, and then from that activity to home. A special four-trip student MetroCard is available on request for pupils whose trip to school requires multiple transfers.
Good for an entire school semester.

A full fare student MetroCard allows an eligible student to travel to and from school and school-related activities by bus and subway. On most trips, a student can also transfer free between the bus and the subway, between a bus and another bus, or between the subway and a bus. You cannot transfer between M27 and M50; M31 and M57; M96 and M106; Bx40 and Bx42; M1, M2, M3, and M4; Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue buses; M101, M102, and M103; Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue buses; Bx1 and Bx2; and a bus going south on Grand Concourse and one going north.

A half fare student MetroCard allows an eligible student to travel to and from school and school-related activities on buses only and is only valid for three trips per day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many trips can be taken each day?
A student MetroCard is good for three trips each school day. On most trips, a student can also transfer free from the bus to the subway, from a bus to another bus, or from the subway to the bus. For example, a student may travel from home to school, after school to the library (or other school-related activity) and then home after that. A special four-trip MetroCard is also available on request for pupils whose trip to school requires multiple transfers.

What is the difference between a half fare and a full fare student MetroCard?
A half fare student MetroCard requires the student to pay half the fare in cash and can be used only on the bus. There is no free transfer to the subway, only to another bus.

What should a student do when they receive their student MetroCard?
Students should print their name on the white strip on the back before using the card. Students are not permitted to use the student MetroCard until their name is on it. It’s a good idea to write down the number on the back of the card and keep it in a safe place. Students should not allow anyone else to use or borrow their card.

What if a student MetroCard is lost or stolen?
Every student MetroCard has a number on the back. It will help to trace the card if it is lost or stolen and somebody else is using it. If a card is lost or stolen, it should be reported to the person in the school who distributes MetroCards right away. The school will report the missing card and help the student get another one.

What if the card doesn't work?
Students should make sure they are using the student MetroCard the right way. If they have trouble, the station booth clerk or the bus operator can help. If the card still doesn't work, return it to the person in the school who distributes MetroCards to request a new one.

How do I use a Student MetroCard?
The MTA has provided this guide to using your student MetroCard.

View General Education Eligibility Requirements

About Us Academics Choices & Enrollment Schools in the Community Offices & Programs Pupil Transportation Services and Eligibility Stop-to-School (GE) Busing Door-to-Door (SE) Busing Pre-K and Early Intervention Busing Student MetroCards Parent Resources School Resources Vendor Resources OPT Resources Rules & Policies Student Support, Safety & Activities Performance & Accountability	Student MetroCards Schools distribute student MetroCards to eligible students at the beginning of each semester of the school year. Student MetroCards are distinct from MetroCards used by the general public. Student MetroCards are: Only for use by the student to whom it was issued and whose name is written on the card. Good for travel to and from school and school-related activities between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., only on days when the student’s school is in session. Good for three trips each school day. Three trips allows a student to travel to school, from school to an after school activity, and then from that activity to home. A special four-trip student MetroCard is available on request for pupils whose trip to school requires multiple transfers. Good for an entire school semester. A full fare student MetroCard allows an eligible student to travel to and from school and school-related activities by bus and subway. On most trips, a student can also transfer free between the bus and the subway, between a bus and another bus, or between the subway and a bus. You cannot transfer between M27 and M50; M31 and M57; M96 and M106; Bx40 and Bx42; M1, M2, M3, and M4; Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue buses; M101, M102, and M103; Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue buses; Bx1 and Bx2; and a bus going south on Grand Concourse and one going north. A half fare student MetroCard allows an eligible student to travel to and from school and school-related activities on buses only and is only valid for three trips per day. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How many trips can be taken each day? A student MetroCard is good for three trips each school day. On most trips, a student can also transfer free from the bus to the subway, from a bus to another bus, or from the subway to the bus. For example, a student may travel from home to school, after school to the library (or other school-related activity) and then home after that. A special four-trip MetroCard is also available on request for pupils whose trip to school requires multiple transfers. What is the difference between a half fare and a full fare student MetroCard? A half fare student MetroCard requires the student to pay half the fare in cash and can be used only on the bus. There is no free transfer to the subway, only to another bus. What should a student do when they receive their student MetroCard? Students should print their name on the white strip on the back before using the card. Students are not permitted to use the student MetroCard until their name is on it. It’s a good idea to write down the number on the back of the card and keep it in a safe place. Students should not allow anyone else to use or borrow their card. What if a student MetroCard is lost or stolen? Every student MetroCard has a number on the back. It will help to trace the card if it is lost or stolen and somebody else is using it. If a card is lost or stolen, it should be reported to the person in the school who distributes MetroCards right away. The school will report the missing card and help the student get another one. What if the card doesn't work? Students should make sure they are using the student MetroCard the right way. If they have trouble, the station booth clerk or the bus operator can help. If the card still doesn't work, return it to the person in the school who distributes MetroCards to request a new one. How do I use a Student MetroCard? The MTA has provided this guide to using your student MetroCard. View General Education Eligibility Requirements	Contacts Office of Pupil Transportation 44-36 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101 Customer Service (718) 392-8855 Pupil Transportation Team News Student MetroCard—The Best Way to and from School > more