mta trip planner new york city

• NYC subway map
• New York City travel guide

New York City trip planner

Nycmoov.com is a free mapping and route planning service for getting around New York City. You can find the fastest route and compare trips in all modes of transport such as subway, metro, bus , ferry, bike, pedestrian, and car for all over New York City. You can also get in real time the subway and bus schedule as well as the alerts published by MTA.

">Getting around New York City

Trip planner, schedule & map, stations near me.

MTA subway trains, buses, metro and rails trains, and ferries

About the public transport in New York City

The New York City Subway is a metropolitan transportation system serving New York City in the United States. All public transportation infrastructure is owned by the City of New York, which has transferred the operation of the network to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) .

With more than 5 million riders per weekday, the subway is the busiest means of public transport in the New York megalopolis. It has 425 stations with 472 stops on 24 lines spread over 236 miles, making it the world leader in terms of the number of lines and stations served. The lines are almost exclusively underground in Manhattan, while they are mostly overhead in the rest of the city.

The bus networks, the Metro-North Railroad, the Staten Island Railway and the Long Island Rail Road are also managed by MTA.

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MTA Unveils New All-In-One Mobile App for Trip Planning and Service Information

App includes schedules and service alerts for subways, buses, lirr and metro-north  , public can sign up for app; currently in beta testing.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that its new MTA app is available for download. The app is currently in BETA testing and will eventually succeed the MYmta app. The app features schedules, service alerts and more for subways, buses, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad all in one place. Users can also book Access-A-Ride trips and see elevator and escalator outages at stations throughout the subway system.   

 “If we want more customers to use public transit, providing travel tools that are easy and intuitive is key,” said MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara . “The new MTA app accomplishes just that, connecting riders to the information they need in one or two taps.”  

Additional features in the Beta version of the new MTA app include:  

Plan a trip to see recommended routes and check schedules for subways, buses, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North, PATH and AirTrain.  

Get service alerts and see planned and unplanned service changes and best ways to get around.  

Save favorite routes and stops for quick viewing of arrival times.  

Live bus tracking to see where a bus is located that is approaching a stop, check when it will arrive, and follow it throughout its trip, including instant information on how many stops and minutes away a bus is.  

Real-time on-board crowding for railroads.  

Book Access-A-Ride trips, find pick up and drop off times for trips, and view trip history.  

Improved search making it easier to see which search results are MTA stations and the services offered there at a glance. 

Dynamic strip maps and station views indicate the service that is running at any given time.   

The app was co-developed with Axon Vibe, a smart mobility platform provider and former winner of the MTA’s Transit Tech Lab accelerator. Utilizing this smart transit technology MTA app users will also be able to opt into sharing their location data to receive smart, real-time, location-based notifications for their individual journey. 

The aggregated data will be available to the MTA to better understand ridership and mobility patterns around the New York metropolitan area. This information will assist with improving transit operations to meet the needs of customers and developing innovative tools to help make it easier for riders to plan for transit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This effort was supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). 

“Axon Vibe is thrilled to continue supporting the MTA with our smart transit technology, aimed at promoting sustainable travel and increasing public transit ridership,” said Roman Oberli, CEO of Axon Vibe . 

The app will replace MYmta when it becomes available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store later this year. Riders will not need to download a new app as it will automatically update on a mobile device if MYmta is already installed.     

Members of the public can sign up for access to the app here . 

New York Subway - Metro NYC 4+

Nyc subway mta map & omny info, dixon mobility, llc, designed for ipad.

• 4.7 • 832 Ratings

Screenshots

Description.

Metro NYC (New York Subway) features a fully interactive official MTA NYC Subway map, realtime transit information and trip planner. Navigate New York city using the Subway with everything at your finger tips. Whether you're a seasoned local New York commuter or a tourist unfamiliar with the OMNY MTA payment system, we've got you covered. Features: - Official NYC Subway map licensed from MTA featuring both daytime and nighttime maps. - Trip Planner to navigate to Subway stations. - NYC Subway line statuses and alerts/service interruptions from MTA. - Realtime arrival information for every NYC Subway station. See a breakdown of all the trains that matter to you. - Easy search of the all NYC Subway stations in all five New York boroughs. - Build your own list of New York Subway stations favorites for quick reference. - Official MTA Subway night map. - A quick-link to MTA's current travel guidance and health information. - Everything you need to know about using the OMNY payment system. We feature a comprehensive OMNY MTA FAQ to answer all your questions and take the anxiety out of your travel. Learn about all of your OMNY payment options at NYC Subway stations. - Free to download, and completely AD-FREE. The makers of other top transit apps like 'DC Metro and Bus' and 'LA Metro and Bus'. We strive to be the most useful transit app in every city that we serve, and we commit to making 'Metro NYC' the #1 New York Subway app.

Version 1.22.3

- Minor bug fixes and performance enhancements.

Ratings and Reviews

832 Ratings

“M.TA.s People”

Who does not appreciate the advent of NYC commutation to & fro; for our better-daily way of life, ever since that small first baby step of just a few blocks of amuse and disbelieve at the nascent of 18th century.,,now is here to stay.

This app is literally All you need.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for the feedback, and for using the app!

App Privacy

The developer, Dixon Mobility, LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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Getting Around New York City: Guide to Public Transportation

Everything you need to know to get around New York City

Wikipedia Commons

The easiest, most affordable way to get around New York City is by public transportation. New York City mass transit generally falls into two categories: buses and subways. The city has 36 subway lines (that go to 472 stations) and 5,725 buses that can take you anywhere you want to go. Once you know how to use them, you'll find them efficient, reliable, and easy. The only problem is you must learn the system.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about navigating your way around New York City's public transportation. You'll feel like a local in no time, maybe even venturing to far away places you never thought you would.

Watch Now: Riding the Subway in New York City

How to ride the new york city subway.

Most visitors will find themselves wanting to get around the city by subways. Subways serve most of Manhattan and the outer boroughs very well, and they take you directly to many popular tourist destinations.

• Before you ride the New York City subway you need to buy a MetroCard. You will swipe this card every time you enter a subway station at the turnstiles. MetroCards cost $1 to purchase. Once you buy your MetroCard you can add money to it.
• MetroCards may be purchased and refilled at subway station booths, MetroCard vending machines, and at  other vendors . You can use cash, credit, or debit cards to make your purchase.
• New York City subway fares are $2.75 per trip. For visitors staying more than a couple of days you can buy a one week unlimited MetroCard for $33 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $127.00. People who are 65 or older or who have qualifying disabilities can get a reduced fare, which is half price. You must see an attendant at a station to purchase one.
• Because New York City has so many subway lines, it's impossible to memorize them all. Even locals have to look up directions on occasion. The best way to plan your trip is to consult Google Maps or the MTA website . There are also a variety of apps that you can download before your trip to easily look up subway directions. You simply type in your point of origin and your destination, and the app will tell you the route.
• New York City has some subways that run express. Your trip planning app will tell you exactly which line to take. If it tells you to take the 1, for example, don't get on the 2 or 3 even though it looks like it's going in the same direction. Those trains are express and won't stop at the station you need.
• The New York City subway operates 24 hours a day, but service is more sporadic between midnight and 6 am and on weekends. If you're traveling on the weekends or late at night, you should be aware of service interruptions that might impact your trip. Taking a few minutes to review the planned service changes can save you a ton of hassle. Trip Planning apps like Google Maps are aware of these disruptions and can help you plan your route.
• In every station there is an information booth where you can press the green button and talk to an attendant. If you are confused or need help it's a great tool to use.
• MTA has a list of accessible subway stations on its website.

Other Transit Options

Subways serve most of Manhattan and the outer boroughs very well, but in those areas where the subway service is not ideal there are buses, trains, bikes, and boats that can take you where you need to go.

New York City Buses

The city has around 5,000 buses, and you'll find they are particularly helpful when you need to travel to the far east or west portions of Manhattan.

New York City bus fare is $2.75 per trip. Be aware that buses only accept MetroCards or exact fare in coins—drivers cannot make change. There are also some buses along major routes in Manhattan & the Bronx that have you pay your fare before you board to speed the process of boarding. It's called "Select Bus Service" and the kiosk for pre-paying your fare is usually very obvious and easy to use.

Google Maps and MTA Trip Planner can tell you the best buses to take (and whether you should take one instead of the subway.) You can also look up New York City Bus schedules.

The NYC Ferry Service

In the past few years New York City has launched new ferry services taking commuters and visitors to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, & Bronx. Ferries are particularly advisable if you are traveling to places along the water (perhaps you are going from the South Street Seaport to Brooklyn Bridge park.)

The ferries are fun to ride because they offer incredible views and refreshments on board (even local wine and beer!) During warmer seasons you can sit on the outer decks and enjoy the sunshine. They are also relatively inexpensive at $2.75 a ticket. You can look up routes and ticket information on the website.

Railroad Services

If you need to get to the suburbs or areas around New York City you might need to take railroads. Metro North trains take you to Connecticut and Westchester. They leave from Grand Central Station.

Long Island Railroad takes you into Manhattan, and New Jersey Transit takes you to New Jersey. Both train services leave from Penn Station. Google Maps will tell you which service to take.

All train services are reliable and run frequently, but they can get crowded at rush hour. Sometimes it's standing room only during morning and evening commutes. Avoid those times (8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) if possible.

Taxis and Ride Shares

Many New Yorkers prefer to take taxis or private cars, especially late in the evening when subway service is more sporadic. Yellow taxis are the iconic New York City cars. You can flag them down when you need them. If you are in Brooklyn or another outer borough, the taxis are green.

New York City has a variety of ride-sharing apps. Uber and Lyft allow you to book a private car or share a car with passengers traveling in a similar direction. Both are reliable services and usually arrive very quickly.

One of the best ways to get around New York City is by Citi Bike, New York's bike share system. There are stations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens & Jersey City where you can unlock a bike with your credit card and return it when you get to your destination. Download the Citi Bike app to find the docking stations closest to your location.

While many parts of the city have bike paths, be careful when riding bikes in the city. Lanes can get congested, and sometimes bike paths are close to speeding cars. Accidents happen regularly so vigilance is key.

Rental Cars

While New York City has ample car rental places, it's not advisable. It's difficult to drive in New York City. There is usually heavy traffic, and taxis are used to swirling in and out of lanes. Parking a car can also be difficult especially in Manhattan.

Tips for Getting Around New York City

• If you are traveling around Manhattan during the day, a subway is your best option.
• Between midnight and 6 am and on weekends check trip planning apps to determine how to travel to your destination. Routes and lines get changed during those times.
• Buses are your best option if you are traveling from East to West across the city.
• If it's a pleasant day try to rent a bike or ride a NYC ferry. You will see more of the city and have fun.
• NYC has many ride sharing options. If you are in a hurry choose a private car. If you have time and want to meet new people order a shared car. You never know who you will meet!
• Driving is tough in the city. It's also hard to park. Avoid a rental car if possible.

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The following information is meant to assist people with disabilities in finding helpful resources, services, and/or benefits available for Transportation.

There are multiple safe, affordable public and private transportation options for people with disabilities in New York City with a variety of services designed to accommodate their needs.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

The MTA manages buses, subways, commuter trains, bridges, and tunnels in New York City and the surrounding areas—including Long Island, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut.

Congestion Relief Zone Toll: Individual Disability Exemption Plan

Vehicles enrolled in the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP) are exempt from the Congestion Relief Zone toll.

Individual Disability Exemption Plan

• MTA Trip Planner

A resource developed by the MTA to assist individuals with utilizing public transportation in the most efficient manner. This search engine includes a feature that will only provide accessible routes.

• MTA Guide to Accessible Transit

MTA Metro-North Railroad

The MTA Metro-North Railroad provides commuter transportation from Grand Central Station in Manhattan to Westchester, Putnam, Duchess, Rockland, and Orange counties, as well as Connecticut.

• Complete List of Metro-North Stations (Accessibility information is provided by following a station’s link.)
• Address: MTA Metro-North Railroad | 347 Madison Avenue | New York, NY 10017
• Voice: 212-532-4900
• TTY: 800-724-3322
• Metro-North Railroad Website

Long Island Railroad (LIRR)

The LIRR is a commuter rail system stretching from Manhattan to the eastern tip of Suffolk County on Long Island.

Complete List of LIRR Stations (Accessibility information is provided by following a station’s link.)

NYC Subways

Not all subway stations are accessible for people with disabilities. Elevators for individuals with physical disabilities are available at select stations. Customer Service representatives are available 24 hours a day to help plan your trip.

• Systemwide List of Accessible Stations
• To request information in braille, contact the MTA ADA Compliance Division at 511.
• To request a raised line subway map in braille, please call: 718-393-4131
• To request a large print subway map please call: 212-878-7483

Reduced-Fare MetroCards

NYC Reduced-Fare MetroCards are available for seniors who are 65 and older, and people with a qualifying disability. People with disabilities who are approved for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard pay half the base fare when traveling on an MTA buses or subways. Reduced-Fare Metro Cards can be used to pay fares on all MTA subways and local buses, 24 hours a day; and on express buses during non-rush hours.

Reduced-Fare MetroCard Application and Instructions

Fair Fares NYC MetroCard

Fair Fares NYC is a City program created to help New Yorkers with low incomes manage their transportation costs. Using the Fair Fares NYC MetroCard, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available. Fair Fares can also provide 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Access-A-Ride customers do not pay for their trips using a Fair Fares NYC MetroCard; their discount is applied automatically to their Access-A-Ride trips once their Fair Fares and Access-A-Ride accounts are linked.

Fair Fares NYC applications are open to eligible New Yorkers at or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Subway and eligible bus discounts are open to New Yorkers who don't have (and aren't eligible for) discounted transportation from the MTA or the City.  If you meet the Fair Fares NYC eligibility criteria, you may also be eligible for the Fair Fares NYC discount on Access-A-Ride fares if you also are in the MTA Reduced-Fare Program for people with a disability or have an Access-A-Ride MetroCard.

To check your eligibility and apply for Fair Fares NYC, you can:

• Text Fair Fares to 311-692
• Visit nyc.gov/fairfares

Fair Fares Access-A-Ride Form

Elevator/Escalator Service

For up-to-date information on elevator and escalator availability in subway stations dial 511 or visit the Elevator and Escalator Status Page .

Access-A-Ride (AAR)

The MTA New York City Transit Access-A-Ride (AAR) service is the City’s paratransit program which provides public transportation for eligible customers with disabilities that prevent them from using the public buses and subways.

AAR Paratransit Service Operates:

• Within the five boroughs of New York City and within a three-quarter-of-a-mile corridor beyond fixed-route service across the NYC borderline to nearby areas of Nassau and Westchester counties.
• A shared-ride program (you may be riding with other customers).
• Origin-to-destination service or feeder service for eligible customers.
• Non-priority trips with maximum ride times based on trip distance.
• 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
• In compliance with Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.

Learn more about how to Apply or Recertify for Access-A-Ride .

Get more information about making Access-A-Ride Complaints, Commendations, or Suggestions .

Visit the Access-A-Ride Website .

Reduced-Fare customers can now tap to pay their fare with OMNY. OMNY is the fare payment system that lets you pay your subway or local bus fare with a smartphone, wearable device, or contactless credit or debit card.

Reduced-Fare OMNY cards are now available. If you're ready to tap and go with your own contactless device, card, or OMNY Card, visit the OMNY for Reduced-Fare website.

OMNY will be offered for Access-A-Ride users during the next phases of the rollout. Access-A-Ride customers will be able to use OMNY as a payment method for paratransit trips. Cash will continue to be accepted as well. Additional information can be found on the OMNY Rollout page.

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Taxis & For-Hire Vehicles

Taxi and limousine commission (tlc).

New York City’s TLC is the agency responsible for licensing and regulating New York City's medallion (yellow) taxicabs, green (outer-borough) taxicabs, for-hire vehicles (community-based liveries, black cars (app-based and dispatched), and luxury limousines), commuter vans, ambulettes, and paratransit vehicles.

Service dogs are welcome in all vehicles.

Complaints can be registered by calling (212) NYC-TAXI or by calling 311 (212-639-9675 outside NYC or Text 311-692).

Accessible Ride Resources on TLC Website

Accessible Dispatch

The TLC manages a program that provides wheelchair accessible yellow and green taxi dispatching services for trips originating anywhere in the five boroughs. Passengers pay the normal metered taxi fare in New York City from the point of pick-up to destination. There are no extra costs to passengers.

There are four ways to request a wheelchair accessible taxi through the Citywide Accessible Dispatch Program:

• Accessible Dispatch App in Apple Store
• Accessible Dispatch App in Google Play
• Order online at mtm.webbooker.icabbi.com
• Call the dispatch center directly: 646-599-9999
• Call 311 (212-639-9675 outside NYC or Text 311-692) and ask for an Accessible Taxi

Accessible Dispatch Website

Project CART

Project CART is a van service that provides specialized transportation for seniors aged 60 or over (with and without disabilities) who reside in Community Boards 1-8 in Manhattan. Project CART is in operation from Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Phone: 212-956-0855

Project Cart Website

Motorists & Parking

Parking permits for people with disabilities.

The New York City Department of Transportation issues two types of permits for citizens with disabilities - a New York State permit and a New York City Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (NYC PPPD). There are different eligibility requirements and different uses for these permits. The State permit can only be used in designated parking spaces for people with disabilities, while the NYC PPPD is valid for on-street parking throughout New York City. The NYC PPPD application also requires supporting medical documentation.

Visit the DOT Parking Permits for People with Disabilities Website for more information and to apply.

Parking Violations

If you hold a valid New York City Department of Transportation Parking Permit for Persons with Disabilities and have been issued a parking ticket while legally parked, contact the Department of Finance's Parking Violations Bureau Helpline by dialing 311 (212-639-9675 outside NYC or Text 311-692).

New York City has several ferry operators that serve locations throughout the five boroughs and provide commuter service to the tri-state area and Massachusetts.

All ferries are wheelchair accessible and service dogs are permitted.

New York City Ferry

NYC Ferry provides New Yorkers a dependable and accessible way to commute and connect in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx along the East River. The state-of-the-art vessels offer comfortable conveniences including charging stations, Wi-Fi, and concessions - and they're the same price as a subway ride.

NYC Ferry administers a Ferry Discount Program. This program permits eligible individuals to purchase a reduced fare One-Way Ticket for the NYC Ferry. The Ferry Discount Program is available to riders who are: Older Adults Aged 65 and Older; People with Disabilities; and Participants in the Fair Fares NYC program. For more information, and to apply, visit the NYCF Reduced Fare section of the NYC Ferries ticketing page.

New York City Ferry Website

New York Waterway

New York Waterway operates commuter ferry routes between locations in New Jersey and the Hudson Valley to locations in Manhattan.

• Phone: 1-800-533-3779
• New York Waterway Website

SeaStreak operates ferry routes serving the following locations: Central New Jersey; Manhattan; New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket in Massachusetts; Sandy Hook; and Providence and Newport in Rhode Island. Each ferry has an accessible entrance and restroom.

Phone: 800-262-8743

Sea Streak Ferries Website

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a passenger ferry route operated by the New York City Department of Transportation. The ferry's single route runs 5.2 miles through New York Harbor between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island. Ferries run throughout the day with boats making the trip in approximately 25 minutes.

Both terminals (Manhattan and Staten Island) are equipped with escalators and elevators and operate within ADA guidelines. Passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices can board at both levels 24/7 without the need for prior documentation. For those passengers not using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, authorization to board on the lower level during hours when lower level boarding is closed to the general public will only be issued with proper supporting documentation. For further information, please call 212-839-3061, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, all other times please dial 311 (212-639-9675 outside NYC or Text 311-692). You may also email your request and documentation to [email protected] . Please allow 3 to 5 business days for processing.

Staten Island Ferry DOT Website

Airport Transportation

The MTA provides transportation services to LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy Airports. NJ Transit and Amtrak provide service to Newark Airport.

For MTA Information, from within the five boroughs, call 511. From outside NYC, call 718-330-1234.

• LaGuardia Airport Accessibility Information
• John F. Kennedy Airport Accessibility Information
• Newark Liberty Airport Accessibility Information
• Airport Service with MTA Buses, Subways, and Commuter Rail

Transportation Complaints

Metropolitan transportation authority complaints (mta).

To make a complaint to the MTA you will need the following information:

• When did the problem occur, date and time?
• Where did it occur?
• Did it involve the application process, reserving a trip, taking a trip, or some other issue?
• Did it involve your driver, another customer, AAR staff, the vehicle, subscription service, or something else?

MTA's Access-A-Ride Complaints

1-877-337-2017 prompt 8

Reduced Fare Metro Card

Phone: 511 (711 for TTY) or 718-330-1234

MTA Elevator or Escalator Outages

City and state disability parking permits.

Contact the NYC Department of Transportation at 718-433-3100.

Taxi and Limousine Complaints Process

If you would like to file a complaint about an experience with TLC you can call 311 (212-639-9675 outside NYC or Text 311-692) or fill out the 311 complaint form online.

• Phone: 311 (212-639-9675 outside NYC or Text 311-692)
• File a Transportation Complaint Online on 311's Website

Buses and Subways

Need something else?

• Fair Fares NYC  for information about the discount MetroCard program for low-income New Yorkers
• School Transportation  for information about student fares
• Staten Island Railway
• Bus Stop Shelter Complaint
• Neighborhood Area Map Complaint  to report an issue with bus countdown timers
• Homeless Assistance
• Access-A-Ride

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) manages public transportation in New York City.

You can get information online or by phone from the MTA about:

• Schedule, fare, route, and trip planning information, including service delays or changes
• Buying or replacing MetroCards, including Reduced-Fare MetroCards
• Using the One Metro New York (OMNY) contactless fare payment system
• Buying Select Bus Service tickets
• Requesting a transit delay verification
• Filing a claim

Visit the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) website.

Get schedules, route, and trip planning information.

Learn about other ways to contact the MTA.

• Agency: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• Division: New York City Transit Customer Service
• Phone Number: 511
• Business Hours: Daily: 6 AM - 10 PM
• Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Call volume is often high. If you don't get through, call back later.

Cost and Payment Methods

The current fares are: 

• Subways, local buses, and Staten Island Railway: $2.90 (Reduced Fare: $1.45)
• Single ride (only sold at subway vending machines): $3.25
• Unlimited 7-day MetroCard: $34 (Reduced Fare: $17)
• Unlimited 30-day MetroCard: $132 (Reduced Fare: $66)
• Express bus: $7 (Reduced Fare, during off-peak hours only, will remain at $3.25)
• Paratransit and Access-A-Ride: $2.90

Learn more MTA fare increases.

One Metro New York (OMNY)

OMNY is MTA’s new contactless fare payment system that will eventually replace the MetroCard. With OMNY, you can use your own contactless card or smart device to pay your fare. 

This new system is being rolled out in phases. All bus routes, subway stations, and Staten Island Railway locations are now equipped with OMNY. 

OMNY currently supports a full-fare, pay-per-ride option for now, including free transfers. Additional fare options will be available during future phases of the rollout, including reduced fares, student fares, special programs, and more.  Until then, you can keep using your MetroCard.

Learn more about OMNY.

OMNY Fare Capping

The fare capping program is available for full-fare and Reduced-Fare OMNY trips on New York City subways and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses. With this program, you will always pay the lowest fare each week if you use OMNY, no matter how many trips you take. You will not have to pay upfront for an unlimited 7-Day MetroCard. 

The program would apply only to trips taken using the OMNY contactless fare payment system. You must use the same contactless bank card, smart device, or OMNY card for each trip.

If you paid $34 in fares (or $17 if you are a Reduced-Fare customer), you will automatically receive free, unlimited rides for the rest of the week. The seven-day period begins with your first tap and resets every seven days.

Express buses, group trips, and transfers do not count toward the weekly cap.

Learn more about OMNY fare capping.

Further Assistance

You can get more information and assistance with OMNY by phone.

• Division: OMNY Customer Service
• Phone Number: (877) 789-6669
• Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 8 PM; Saturday - Sunday: 8 AM - 5 PM

TransitChek

TransitChek is a pre-tax transit benefit program. If you want to enroll, contact your employer for details.

Reduced-Fares

Reduced-fare MetroCards and One Metro New York (OMNY) are available for riders who are 65 or older or riders who have qualifying disabilities.

The reduced fare is half the base fare. (For example, the base fare for subways and local buses is $2.90, so the reduced fare is $1.45.) 

Please note: If you are between the ages of 18 and 64, meet certain income guidelines, and are not eligible for this or any other transportation discount program, you may be eligible for a discounted MetroCard through Fair Fares NYC instead. To learn more, visit the Fair Fares NYC page. 

Your reduced-fare card will have your name and photo on it. If you don’t have your card with you, you can pay the reduced fare in cash.

Learn more about Reduced-Fare MetroCards.

How to Apply

You can apply online, by mail or in person at the MTA Customer Service Center or a MetroCard Bus or Van.  

Instructions, applications, and locations are available online.

Learn how to apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard.

Replacing a Reduced-Fare MetroCard

You can submit a claim form online if your reduced-fare MetroCard was lost, stolen, or never received in the mail.

Submit a Reduced-Fare MetroCard claim form.

You can get more information and assistance by phone, including help with Reduced-Fare MetroCard applications or replacement requests.

You can link your Reduced-Fare benefit to the OMNY system with your own contactless device or card.

Go online to omny.info and follow the prompts in the Digital Assistant, found in the bottom right corner of the homepage. It takes you through the step-by-step process of switching to OMNY. You will need to provide information from your Reduced-Fare MetroCard and credit or debit card.

You can also visit the MTA Customer Service Center or a MetroCard Bus or Van for assistance with switching to OMNY.  If you choose to go in person at the Customer Service Center, you must make an appointment.

Schedule an appointment at the Customer Service Center.

Reduced-Fare OMNY Cards 

If you want to wait for a Reduced-Fare OMNY card, they will be issued soon. They will have similar functionality to today’s MetroCards, along with the ability to reload value online, at retail locations, or in subway stations.

You can get more information and assistance by phone.

Lost or Found Property

Report Lost Property

If you think you lost an item on a train or in a subway station, talk to an MTA representative in the station booth closest to where you lost your property. If it was turned in, it will be at the booth until it is moved to the NYC Transit Lost Property Unit.

If you lost an item on a bus, talk to an MTA representative at the bus depot. If the item was turned in, it will be held at the bus depot before it is sent to the NYC Transit Lost Property Unit.

If you don’t find it, file a claim with the Lost Property Unit as soon as possible.

Contact the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Visit the MTA's lost and found website.

The Lost Property Unit is in Manhattan at the 34th Street Penn Station subway stop on the lower mezzanine. You must schedule an appointment to go in person. Appointment is only available if you were contacted to pick up your item.

You must show a driver’s license, automobile registration card, job ID, passport, or another form of valid identification to claim your property.

Report Found Property

Found in a Train or Station

Take smaller items, such as wallets, tablets or cellphones to the nearest subway station booth agent. For security reasons, agents cannot open the booth door.

Call 511 to arrange to drop off larger items at NYCT Lost & Found. 

Found on a Bus

Items found on a bus should be turned in to the bus operator.

Complaints and Compliments

You can submit reports online or by phone to the MTA about:

• Feedback about subway or bus service, MTA employees, subway advertising, or the MyMTA app
• Graffiti at MTA locations
• Maintenance issues in a station or on a bus or train
• Problems with a MetroCard vending machine
• Problems with service status trackers and alerts
• Report rats and other animals at MTA locations

Submit complaints, compliments, and feedback about the MTA.

Disclaimer:

The City intends to use the data collected from this survey to generally add and improve City services. Survey participation is voluntary. Participants in this survey will not receive further communication from the City with regards to this survey.

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MTA Bus Time

M104 West Harlem - Times Square

via Broadway / 8th Av

Service Alert for Route:

• Northbound M20 and M104 stops along 8th Ave from W 43rd St to W 56th St will be closed For M20 service, use the stops on 8th Ave at W 40th St or Central Park West at Columbus Circle. For M104 service, use the stops on W 41st St at 8th Ave or Broadway at W 61st St. Buses will also make requested stops along 10th Ave from W 42nd St to W 57th St. See a map of the detour. What's happening? 8th Avenue Midtown Festival Note: Real-time tracking on BusTime may be inaccurate in the service change area
• Northbound M20 and M104 stop on 8th Ave at W 43rd St is closed Please use the stop on 8th Ave at W 42nd St. See map What's happening? Construction Note: Real-time tracking on BusTime may be inaccurate in the service change area
• Northbound M104 stop on Broadway between W 84th St and W 85th St is closed Use nearby stops on Broadway at W 82nd St or W 86th St instead. (see map) What?s happening? New building construction
• Northbound M5, M7, and M104 are detoured due to a street festival on Broadway between 60th St and 61st St. M5, M7, and M104 buses will not make stops on Broadway from 61st St to 63rd St. While detoured, buses will make corresponding stops along Amsterdam Ave instead. Here is a map of how buses will run while detoured.Note: Bus arrival information may be inaccurate or unavailable while buses are detoured.
• Choose your direction:
• to 41 ST via BROADWAY/7 AV
• to WEST HARLEM 129 ST via BROADWAY

M104 to 41 ST via BROADWAY/7 AV

• CONVENT AV/W 129 ST  
• MORNINGSIDE AV/W 125 ST  
• W 125 ST/AMSTERDAM AV  
• W 125 ST/OLD BROADWAY  
• approaching , ~6 passengers on vehicle
• BROADWAY/LA SALLE ST  
• BROADWAY/W 122 ST  
• approaching , ~24 passengers on vehicle
• BROADWAY/W 116 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 114 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 112 ST  
• BROADWAY/CATHEDRAL PKWY  
• BROADWAY/W 108 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 106 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 104 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 102 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 100 ST  
• , ~18 passengers on vehicle
• BROADWAY/W 94 ST  
• at stop , ~34 passengers on vehicle
• BROADWAY/W 89 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 86 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 84 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 82 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 79 ST  
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• BROADWAY/W 70 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 68 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 65 ST  
• at stop , ~5 passengers on vehicle
• approaching , ~19 passengers on vehicle
• BROADWAY/W 61 ST  
• COLUMBUS CIRCLE/8 AV  
• 7 AV/W 58 ST  
• 7 AV/W 56 ST  
• 7 AV/W 54 ST  
• 7 AV/W 53 ST  
• 7 AV/W 50 ST  
• approaching , ~9 passengers on vehicle
• approaching , ~4 passengers on vehicle
• 7 AV/W 41 ST  
• W 41 ST/8 AV  

M104 to WEST HARLEM 129 ST via BROADWAY

• 8 AV/W 43 ST  
• 8 AV/W 46 ST  
• 8 AV/W 49 ST  
• 8 AV/W 52 ST  
• 8 AV/W 56 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 63 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 66 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 69 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 73 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 75 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 77 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 85 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 88 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 91 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 93 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 99 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 101 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 103 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 105 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 113 ST  
• BROADWAY/W 120 ST  
• BROADWAY/TIEMANN PL  
• approaching , ~29 passengers on vehicle
• , ~3 passengers on vehicle
• AMSTERDAM AV/W 129 ST  

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15 of the best things to do in New York City in 2024

Mar 23, 2024 • 9 min read

A trip to Central Park is a classic stop on any NYC itinerary © Marco Rubino / Shutterstock

Three life-changing words: New York City .

Millions are drawn to it; some never shake it. Monumental, artistic, cultural, commercial, cosmopolitan – the City That Never Sleeps is everything you've imagined. You'll never be bored here – the only problem is narrowing down what to do from the endless list of possibilities.

To help you get started, here's a list of my favorite inspirational highlights – all perfect experiences for your next trip. However, the big sights lure big crowds, so brace yourself. If you're after a calmer NYC experience, sights in the "outer borough" (beyond Manhattan) will generally be less crowded. 

Ticket costs can also be substantial, so consider purchasing a New York CityPASS , which offers good discounts on top attractions.

Where Locals Go: NYC locals share their favorite nearby vacation spots

1. Visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The iconic copper-green  Statue of Liberty dominates a small island in New York Harbor, casting a protective shadow over neighboring Ellis Island , the site of a stirring Immigration Museum . Still symbolic today, these two landmarks served as an uplifting gateway through which over 12 million soon-to-be-Americans passed from 1892 to 1924.

Planning tip: Boats to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leave from The Battery in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The monuments are often visited on a combined ticket – book well ahead, especially if you hope to spend time in Liberty's pedestal or crown.

2. Soak up the views from the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings

The tallest building in the world when it opened in 1931, the 1454ft  Empire State Building remains a much-loved character on the NYC skyline, although somewhat controversially, street-level views of this New York City skyline icon are about to be obscured by a luxury condo apartment. Vistas from the outdoor, 360-degree view, 86th-floor deck and the indoor 102nd-floor observatory are breathtaking, though – particularly at sunset. Look northeast at the art deco Chrysler Building , also once the world's tallest before being dethroned by the Empire State.

Planning tip:  Buy tickets in advance and devote a few moments to the second-floor Story of an Icon museum.

3. Pay tribute to lost lives at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The National 9/11 Memorial is located where the World Trade Center Twin Towers once stood. It features sobering tributes to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, most poignantly two sunken pools with cascades of water pouring into the fallen towers' footprints. Adjacent to the memorial is a profoundly moving museum with remnants and reminders of the tragic day.

Planning tip:  The memorial is free; museum tickets are best bought online in advance.

4. Have family-friendly seaside fun at Coney Island

Jutting like a Brooklyn thumb out into New York Harbor's Lower Bay, Coney Island boasts a wide beach, a popular seaside boardwalk and a lively amusement park, all reachable by subway in about an hour from Midtown Manhattan. Popular attractions include the family-friendly New York Aquarium , Nathan's Famous hot dogs , Deno's Wonder Wheel and thrill-filled Luna Park , featuring the wooden Cyclone rollercoaster – a city and national historic landmark.

Planning tip:  Walk to nearby Brighton Beach for classic Russian and Ukrainian eats.

5. Tour the vast collections at NYC's major museums

The Met  is NYC's most visited museum for very good reasons. With 5000 years of art from all over the world, two million individual objects and 17 acres of exhibition space, it's massive, astounding and seemingly inexhaustible.

An inside tip – the Met's often bypassed uptown Cloisters were cobbled together from authentic sections of European medieval monasteries. Tickets cover three-day admission to both Met branches.

Directly across Central Park from the Met is another significant museum with a broad scope: the American Museum of Natural History , where your ticket grants you access to more than 50 exhibits and 34 million artifacts!

Art lovers will find modern masterpieces from Warhol, Pollock and more in the Museum of Modern Art ; book ahead to skip the line, particularly at weekends. Somewhat smaller and less crowded, though definitely still comprehensive, is the Brooklyn Museum .

Detour: For something much more contemporary and free of hordes, try Brooklyn's Bushwick Collective Street Art .

Use this guide to plan the ultimate museum tour of New York City

6. Hang out in Central Park

Hemmed in by buildings, Central Park serves up 843 acres of green space – meadows, groves, gardens and lakes, as well as restaurants, theaters, concert venues, fountains, skating rinks, ballfields, playgrounds and much more. Park Drive, although often crowded, is a favorite route for runners, skaters and cyclists.

Seeking some green space with fewer people? Brooklyn's Prospect Park , created by the same landscapers as Central Park, has all the same charm with far less throng.

Detour: For a leafy overview of Manhattan, consider cycling along sections of the 31-mile Manhattan Waterfront Greenway , especially the Hudson River Greenway segment.

Can't get enough of Central Park? Our local tells you where to find Central Park's best corners

7. Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Undoubtedly NYC's most beautiful river crossing, the 1596ft-long, stone-towered Brooklyn Bridge was one of the world's first steel suspension bridges when it opened in 1883. Today, a walk along its pedestrian passageway delivers delightful Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline views.

Brooklyn Bridge Park , the 1.3-mile, 85-acre green space on Brooklyn's East River shoreline, prolongs the pleasure (and the Manhattan views). Check out the waterfront, glass-enclosed Jane's Carousel and multiple revitalized pier-based leisure and activity areas.

Save these restaurants to your Brooklyn itinerary

8. Gaze upon the Manhattan skyline  

Manhattan's tumble of buildings is a mesmerizing spectacle, changing in natural and artificial light, particularly at dusk and night. Harbor cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy it, but there are also numerous land-based vantage points along the East River.

In Brooklyn, head for Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, East River State Park in Williamsburg and Transmitter Park in Greenpoint. Over in Queens, go to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City and Astoria Park.

Planning tip:  For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge and unbeatable views, take a helicopter tour over NYC; yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it.

9. See art and architecture on the High Line and at Hudson Yards 

The 1.5-mile-long High Line is one of New York's great surprises. This art-filled, community green space – featuring gardens, events, and amazing city outlooks – was crafted from an abandoned elevated railway. It can be packed on warm evenings when the unique modern architecture on all sides is illuminated.

The northern terminus of the High Line is at the Hudson Yards , Manhattan's newest luxury development, with gourmet restaurants, upscale shops and singular attractions like Vessel , a multilevel public landmark, and The Edge , the city's highest (101st-floor) open-air observatory.

10. Visit the landmark Rockefeller Center

Perhaps best known for its winter backdrop – a world-famous ice-skating rink and New York's giant ceremoniously-lit Christmas tree – the art deco Rockefeller Center is a busy, art-filled national historic landmark all year round.

Named for its entrepreneurial developer – John D Rockefeller Jr, America's first billionaire – it claims highlights such as the 70th-floor Top of the Rock observation deck, the Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios Tours , as well as plenty of Midtown shopping and dining.

11. Be dazzled by the lights of Times Square and the Theater District

The neon lights really do shine bright on Broadway, especially in Times Square at the heart of the world's most celebrated theater district. Day and night, it provides billboarded sensory overload. In the area are dozens of marquee-fronted playhouses hosting box-office hits, alongside Madame Tussauds and National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey . Bryant Park, Midtown's small but activity-filled green oasis, and the lion-flanked entrance of the New York Public Library , a national historic landmark, are also nearby.

12. Ride the New York City Subway and Staten Island Ferry

The wheels never stop turning in NYC, aided by its sleepless subway , one of the world's biggest mass transit systems. Another iconic part of the New York transport network is the free, orange Staten Island Ferry , the cheapest way to grab pics of Lady Liberty.

For NYC urban transport history, the kid-friendly Transit Museum has climb-aboard subway cars from all eras. There's a museum annex and shop in Grand Central Terminal , a Midtown beaux-arts wonder with an unforgettably grand main concourse.

13. Support conservation at the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens

Who'd have thought the US's biggest and oldest zoo is in NYC? The conservation-minded Bronx Zoo hosts 6000-plus animals in 265 acres of specially designed habitats. Adjacent to it is the New York Botanical Garden , a 250-acre, year-round nature showcase with dozens of indoor and outdoor gardens included in your ticket.

Planning tip: Smaller but impressive alternative zoos can be found at Central Park, Prospect Park and Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens). The 50-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden is famous for its seasonally blossoming cherry trees.

14. Find art and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn

In a city that places a high premium on space, Brooklyn now claims three hip, rehabilitated industrial areas commandeered by entrepreneurs, artisanal makers, retailers, artists, start-ups and nonprofits. Industry City occupies six large warehouses on the Sunset Park waterfront.

Further south, 100-plus companies fill the vast and storied Brooklyn Army Terminal . And east of Downtown Brooklyn, the expansive, historic Brooklyn Navy Yard is a modern made-in-Brooklyn manufacturing hub.

15. Go to a game at a New York stadium

New Yorkers take outsize pride in their sports teams, so how better to absorb the city's energy than at a game? The Bronx's Yankee Stadium and Mets' Citi Field in Queens are grand open-air stadiums, while Manhattan's Madison Square Garden , home of Knicks and Liberty basketball and Rangers hockey, and Brooklyn's futuristic Barclays Center , where the Nets basketball and Islanders hockey teams play, are enclosed, so good for rainy days.

Planning tip:  If you'd prefer to see the Giants and Jets compete in the National Football League, their arenas are in nearby New Jersey .

And now for the hard part: should you go to a Mets or Yankees game? Two local experts weigh in

Keep planning your trip to NYC:

• Find out which NYC neighborhood fits your vibe
• Find the best time of year to visit
• Getting around NYC is fairly straightforward –  find out how in our full transportation guide
• Even better, read on for top tips to see New York on two wheels

This article was first published May 25, 2021 and updated Mar 23, 2024.

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Tap-and-go payment for subway, train and bus riders finally coming to NYC area by 2025

New York City rolled out the One Metro New York contactless payment system five years ago, but thanks to a slew of issues, less than half of subway riders currently use OMNY. For example, passengers who are entitled to discounted fares (like students) can't use it if they expect to get a cheaper ride, and people living in the greater New York transit system are also unable to take advantage of the system.

"We saw consistently that there was confusion," said Janno Lieber, CEO and chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

In hopes of increasing OMNY users, the MTA is demoting Cubic Corporation, the contractor behind its original rollout, and will begin working with the team behind the popular app MTA TrainTime, which has a 4.9-star rating in the Apple App Store.

OMNY will be integrated with MTA TrainTime, and riders will soon be able to use the app's tap-and-go function across the MTA's extensive transport system, including the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road. The updated app will also bring upgrades like modernized ticket machines, according to a MTA press release issued May 20.

"This is the best way to get this done as quickly as possible so that we don't have any interruption in the quality of our ticketing service," said Jamie Torres-Springer, the MTA's construction and development president, in an interview with Streetsblog New York City .

The MTA says it plans to implement a contactless fare payment system for most consumers by the end of 2024 and will further roll it out across subway, bus and paratransit systems by the end of 2025.

"We have the ability to issue tickets to railroad riders that can then be used to ride the subway in an integrated fare, to create pay-as-you-go on the railroad — we have the flexibility for that," Torres-Springer said.

When the new system is complete, customers will be able to use their contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, wearable device or OMNY card for tap-and-go payment to ride the subway and bus in addition to trains. Once this happens, the old-school yellow MetroCard will be retired, though its expiration date has been "indefinitely" postponed, as Streetsblog New York City first reported.

Related reading:

• New York City promises your cellphone will work in subway tunnels — in about 10 years
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• Uber unveils new features, from additional ride options to new stores on Uber Eats and more
• Reminder: Your Amex Platinum's $50 Saks credit resets next month — here are 12 items to buy
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Hochul wants to delay congestion pricing days before start: What's behind the about-face?

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday she's putting on hold a controversial $15 toll on Manhattan drivers that was set to start this month out of concern for its impact on struggling New Yorkers and New York City's post-pandemic recovery.

The congestion-pricing toll was due to begin on June 30 after years of planning, even as several lawsuits by New Jersey and other opponents are being waged to try to stop it. The toll resembles those imposed by London and several other major cities and is intended to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution while raising money for the region's mass transit system.

Despite her past support for the toll, Hochul said in a 10-minute video address that she decided it would add an unfair burden to those already squeezed by the high cost of living. She also invoked the city's business climate and "delicate recovery," saying it has rebounded since the pandemic but could slide if workers and visitors decide to stay home because of the toll.

"This decision is about doing what's right for the people who make our city thrive," Hochul said.

Word of her plans had leaked out in advance, with both The New York Times and Politico reporting that she was seeking to delay implementation of the toll. One factor cited by both publications was concern that a public backlash against the unpopular plan could hurt Democrats in races this fall in battleground House districts in New York City's suburbs.

Hochul dismissed speculation about ulterior motives in her recorded speech, saying her only reasons for the indefinite pause were those she outlined: concerns about New York's affordability and the city's economic recovery.

She said she continues to support the concept of congestion pricing, and will seek other ways to meet its goals and to raise more revenue for the transit system. She gave no timetable for reviving the plan, which she said had faced the prospect of delay anyway because of the pending court cases against it.

"I remain committed to these investments in public transit," Hochul said.

Top questions on congestion pricing: MTA's congestion pricing plan arrives in June. 5 burning questions about discounts, costs

Supporters of NYC congestion pricing decry Hochul's about-face

Supporters of congestion pricing were aghast, seemingly unaware that Hochul was pulling the plug just weeks before the toll was set to begin. Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said she was "shocked and dismayed that the governor is turning her back on congestion pricing."

"We cannot drive our way out of the climate crisis — and we shouldn’t let a small number of drivers who refuse to take mass transit in the most transit-rich region of the country dictate transportation policy," Tighe said in a statement. 

Advocates suggested the pause would delay badly needed capital improvements on subways and rails by eliminating a vital funding source.

“Delaying congestion pricing will only hurt millions of transit riders relying on improvements and hinder the economic success of our broader region,” said Kate Slevin, the executive vice president of the Regional Plan Association. “It means delays on critical transit projects like the faster service on the A/C line, station upgrades and bus electrification along with all the jobs that they bring. This move is a total betrayal of New Yorkers and our climate.”

The Riders Alliance, a non-profit that advocates for subway and bus riders, accused Hochul of kowtowing to the suburbs.

“This is a misguided political maneuver to court suburban voters at the cost of alienating millions of New Yorkers who fought for years to secured $15B in dedicated funding to improve our transit,” the alliance said in an email to members sent Wednesday afternoon.

In her speech, Hochul explained her change of heart by saying that circumstances had changed since state lawmakers and then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo set the wheels in motion for congestion pricing in 2019. The following year, she pointed out, New York City was upended by a pandemic that shows lasting effects to this day, with office vacancy rates of more than 20% in Manhattan and many workers commuting just a few days a week.

The toll, which would be paid by drivers entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street, was meant to raise revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs New York City's subways and buses and two commuter railroads that serve the suburbs.

The money would pay for capital improvements — the MTA estimated it would generate roughly $1 billion a year.

Toll faced bipartisan opposition

A slew of suburban lawmakers from both parties had opposed the planned toll as a large expense for their constituents who drive to work in Manhattan. Rep. Mike Lawler, a Rockland County Republican, had co-sponsored a bill with Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey to try to block it . Rep. Pat Ryan, an Ulster County Democrat, had urged exemptions for emergency workers and others and demanded the MTA hold hearings in the Hudson Valley to hear directly from drivers .

On Wednesday, Lawler blasted Hochul's decision to delay the toll as an "election-year stunt" and said the plan "needs to be ended, not simply delayed.”

“Almost five months to the day before Election Day, Governor Hochul has suddenly realized how bad congestion pricing is polling in the suburbs and in New York City,” Lawler said.

Ryan cheered Hochul's decision and attributed it to pressure he and Hudson Valley families exerted for the last year.

“Now it's time to get to work on a plan that actually makes sense for the entire state, not just New York City, including commitments to significant service additions and meaningful discounts for public servants," Ryan said in a statement. "I’ll continue to stand up to anyone, regardless of party, who tries to rip off hard-working Hudson Valley families.”

Gottheimer also celebrated Hochul's decision, saying: “We threw the kitchen sink at New York — and then some — and got it done. Even when some said the fight was over, we kept going. Well today, Jersey families, their wallets, and the environment won big. As I always say, don’t mess with Jersey.”

Rockland County filed one of the lawsuits in opposition to congestion pricing . On Wednesday, Rockland County Executive Ed Day, a Republican, reacted to the Democratic governor's decision by renewing his criticism of the toll plan and vowing to fight if it returns.

"Governor Kathy Hochul should not just pause this plan but eliminate it entirely," Day said. "If not, we will continue our legal fight, alongside my colleagues in government, on behalf of families we serve who do not deserve another unnecessary tax.”

What were the details of the toll?

The $15 toll was intended for car drivers with E-ZPass who enter the central business district between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends.

Those without E-ZPass were to be billed by mail and pay more: $22.50 per trip. Truck drivers would have paid $24 to $54, depending on the truck size and whether the driver has E-ZPass.

Charges would have been much lower during overnight hours, and drivers who already were charged to enter the toll zone through one of four tunnels will get discounts on the congestion charge.

Tom Zambito, Transportation and Growth Reporter for the USA Today Network-New York's state team, contributed to this report.

Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. Reach him at [email protected].

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This Summer in Paris: More ‘Open’ Signs, Thanks to the Olympics

With millions of visitors expected in the city, restaurant and shop owners are hoping they made the right decision to forgo their cherished annual vacations.

By Lindsey Tramuta

Anyone who’s visited Paris in late July and August knows the word “fermé.” It adorns the darkened windows of chic indie boutiques and cozy bistros whose owners, along with other locals, have fled the city on their annual vacations.

This summer, with Paris expected to draw nearly 15 million visitors between July 26 and Sept. 8 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, that ritual is anything but certain. Many shopkeepers, bakers, restaurateurs and tour guides — citing patriotism as well as profit — say they’re planning to stay open.

It’s a decision that comes with unpredictability. The 2012 London Olympics have cast a long shadow in Paris. Before those Games, warnings of overcrowded roads, congested transit and security concerns emptied out much of the popular city center and the West End, causing a tourism slump in those areas. Small-business owners in Paris are hoping history does not repeat itself.

The French capital is in a better position than the British capital was, insisted Pierre Rabadan, Paris’s deputy mayor for sports . Most of the events in London were held in one section of the city, he said, while in Paris, they’re taking place all over. “So when businesses have asked if they should stay open,” he explained, “we tell them we’re trying to create the conditions for this to be a real opportunity and for the city to function normally.”

With streets restricted, Metro stations closed and public transportation likely to be jammed, “normally” might be a stretch. But if you’re traveling to Paris for the Olympics or Paralympics, you will most likely find more dining and shopping options than you would otherwise see at that time of year. Here’s what to expect.

Preparations and a few disruptions

“If you want to have your ‘Emily in Paris’ trip to Paris this summer, you absolutely can,” said Olivia Grégoire, France’s minister in charge of tourism . Most popular attractions will remain open as normal, but a few closures could complicate plans.

The Place de la Concorde was set to be blocked off, even to pedestrians and cyclists, as of June 1, and three nearby Metro stations will close until Sept. 21.

The Eiffel Tower will remain open except for the eve and day of the opening ceremony, on July 26. The region’s airspace will also be closed for six hours before and during that event. And because the opening ceremony is set to take place on the Seine, river cruises, among the city’s most popular sightseeing experiences, will stop seven days before the ceremony and resume on July 27 at noon.

Owners of businesses that focus on tours and cultural experiences are banking on early-summer visitors to soften the blow that might come from a drop-off during the Games, after the Paris Tourist Office reported that participation in cultural activities was down 15 percent during the London Olympics.

Fat Tire Tours , a leading bike tour company, will run special Olympics-themed tours in early summer, then pivot to bike rentals during the Games to compensate for an expected drop in tour bookings.

Jane Bertch, a co-owner of La Cuisine Paris cooking school, which offers English-language classes in a location near City Hall, said she had noticed a sharp drop in bookings for late summer, but will “run as many classes as possible.”

Rising to the challenge

The Olympic crowds will bring appetites for Paris’s renowned cuisine, but for months, restaurateurs worried that restrictions on motorized vehicles in security zones around the city’s 25 competition venues could curtail deliveries. City officials have calmed some of those nerves.

“We don’t want restaurants to close during this monumental event because they’re worried about deliveries,” said Grégoire Ambroselli, a co-founder of the food logistics start-up Choco , during an Olympics-related conference in March.

Now, armed with more clarity on how to adapt to delivery challenges, most restaurants and bakeries report they will stay open during the Games, with one big caveat: Many plan to take a break between the closing ceremony, on Aug. 11, and the start of the Paralympics, on Aug. 28.

Maslow , a soaring, centrally located vegetarian restaurant facing the Seine, wouldn’t dream of closing, given its proximity to the Olympic action. But that decision comes with some unease. “We’re staying positive because the energy will be incredible, but we’re a bit worried about how hard it will be for our staff to get to work,” said the executive chef, Mehdi Favri, who is also a co-owner.

Commuting has ranked high among businesses’ concerns. However, locals have faced similar hurdles getting to work before. In 2019, trains across France and public transport in Paris were severely disrupted for nearly two months during a nationwide pension reform strike, forcing workers to walk or cycle long distances.

André Terrail, the owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Tour d’Argent , which overlooks the Seine, doesn’t think the Olympic commutes will be quite that complex but admits such challenges, in general, are the price of doing business in Paris. “It’s going to be complicated. We’re all going to be running around. But it’s also going to be amazing,” he said. “If other host cities have found solutions, so will we.”

Etheliya Hananova, a co-owner and sommelier at the contemporary French restaurant Comice , is perhaps the most enthusiastic about the summer ahead — enough to remain open seven days a week for three weeks through Aug. 10. “It’s one of the biggest events in the history of Paris. We’re here to be part of the welcoming committee,” she said.

The scaling-back of the opening ceremony on the Seine has given the antique booksellers, or “bouquinistes,” that line its banks a reprieve, and many plan to stay open. Shoppers will also be able to browse in department stores such as Galeries Lafayette , Printemps and Le Bon Marché . For those seeking something unconventional, the St.-Ouen flea market will sprawl out as usual, offering antiques, vintage clothing and more.

Outside the tourist areas, popular restaurants and bars like Holybelly , Folderol , Kubri , Abricot Le Mary Celeste and Fulgurances aim to draw visitors seeking a break from the crowds. “We’ve decided to open more — six days a week,” said Rebecca Asthalter, a co-owner of Fulgurances . Likewise, independent boutiques such as Landline , which sells home goods in a residential neighborhood east of the Bastille, are hoping travelers branch out to calmer parts of the city.

Back in the thick of the action, Marin Montagut, an artist and illustrator who sells hand-painted table accessories, stationery, silk scarves and candles from an apothecary-style boutique near the Luxembourg Gardens, is planning a Paris-inspired display of his wares. “I’m looking at this like it’s the World’s Fair. I want to honor the city and be open to all,” he said. “If I’m not optimistic during this period, when will I be?”

Amy Virshup contributed reporting.

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Inside the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics

News and Analysis

Seeking to undermine the Paris Olympics, Russian propagandists  are spoofing broadcasters and mimicking French and U.S. intelligence agencies to stoke fear about security at the Games.

Ahead of the Olympics, the global agency tasked with policing doping in sports is facing a growing crisis  as it fends off allegations it helped cover up the positive tests of elite Chinese swimmers .

Undocumented workers played a larger and more dangerous role  in delivering the Games than the Macron administration acknowledges.

A Guide to the Games

More ‘Open’ Signs: With millions of visitors expected in Paris, many shopkeepers, bakers and restaurateurs are forgoing their annual summer vacations .

A New Gastronomic Course: In the Olympic dining hall near Paris, carbon imprint will outweigh cassoulet as chefs consider the environmental impact of French cuisine. There won’t even be French fries .

Escaping the Games: Even if you’re visiting France for the Games, you may want to take a cultural break like a local. Here are some suggestions .