Columbia University Students: Metro Card Access Explored

Columbia University students can purchase a MetroCard to use on subways and buses in New York City. The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway is a cost-effective and convenient way for students to commute to campus. MetroCards can be purchased at all subway stops from vending machines using cash, credit, or debit. There are various types of MetroCards available, including pay-per-ride, weekly, and monthly cards. The university also offers a range of transportation options for students, such as the Intercampus shuttle, Manhattanville Loop Shuttle, and the On-demand Evening Shuttle.

Where to buy a MetroCard

MetroCards can be purchased at most subway stations, which have vending machines. Some stations also have MTA staffers who can assist you. However, not every subway entrance will have a kiosk available to purchase or refill your card. Look out for entrances that say "Enter with or buy a MetroCard at all times," indicating the opportunity to buy or refill before swiping.

In New York City, MetroCards can be purchased at any MTA Metro-North Railroad station ticket vending machine or staffed ticket windows. They are also available from MetroCard vending machines.

In Westchester, MetroCards can be purchased at Metro-North train stations, neighbourhood stores, and from the MetroCard van that makes scheduled stops throughout the county.

Additionally, if you prefer using buses and want to avoid going to a subway station, you can purchase a MetroCard at any tourist office or many general stores in the centre of New York City.

How to ride the subway like an expert

Planning Your Trip

Before you embark on your journey, it's important to plan your route. Familiarize yourself with the subway route map to identify the stations nearest to your starting point and destination. The New York City subway system comprises dozens of lines, each designated by a color, number, or letter, as well as transfers to PATH trains and connections to the Long Island Rail Road.

While there are several major hub stations like Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal, and Grand Central, where you can switch to almost any line, it's advisable to use digital tools like Google Maps or HERE Maps to navigate your route, especially if you're new to the city or a tourist.

At the Station

Once you've determined the stations you'll be using, make your way to the subway station where you'll start your trip. Subway station entrances are usually marked by large, green banisters or glass structures, along with stairs or escalators leading down. Accessible stations will also have elevators.

At the station, you'll need to purchase a ticket or use a payment method to enter. Ticket machines accept cash, credit, and debit cards, and you can also obtain a ticket from the station attendant. The New York City Subway currently has a flat fare of $2.75, but this may vary depending on the type of card you use and the number of rides you plan to take.

Many stations also offer contactless payment options, allowing you to tap your debit card or mobile phone to enter. This can be more convenient than purchasing a ticket, as you avoid lines at the ticket machines.

Before entering the station, it's a good idea to check for any system-wide delays or service changes. You can find this information on the MTA's website under "Service Status." If there are delays, consider alternate routes or allow for extra time.

Taking the Train

When you've entered the station, swipe or tap your ticket or payment method at the entrance reader. If you have a valid fare, the turnstile will unlock, granting you access to the platform. For those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, station attendants are available to assist in passing through the emergency exit.

Now it's time to board your train. Locate the correct train by checking the signs on the platform, which indicate the train's route and direction. The New York City subway offers express and local trains, with express trains typically using the inner tracks and local trains using the outer tracks. Some trains may run express on one line and local on another, so pay attention to the train's designation.

Train Etiquette

When riding the subway, it's important to follow proper etiquette to ensure a smooth and pleasant journey for yourself and your fellow passengers:

• Don't stand in the doorway for too long, and avoid rushing through the doors as they're closing.
• Be mindful of others and yield seats designated for the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.
• Keep your belongings with you and off the seats.
• Avoid leaning against the train doors or moving between cars while the train is in motion.
• Be aware that doors may open on different sides at different stations, and some stations may have separate platforms for opposing directions.
• If you miss your stop, remain calm. Get off at the next station and board a train going in the opposite direction to backtrack.

Exiting the Station

To exit the station, simply proceed through the turnstiles again. Some stations only allow exit through specific turnstiles, which will lead directly to the street level via stairs or escalators.

By following these steps and guidelines, you'll be riding the subway like a true expert, navigating the city with ease and efficiency.

The cost of a MetroCard

In Washington, DC, the SmarTrip Card is required for travel on Metrorail and is also usable on Metrobus and regional buses in the area. The SmarTrip Card costs $2 and comes with $8 in stored fare value for a total price of $10. A 1-Day Unlimited Pass costs $15.50, which includes the $2 cost of the card and $13.50 for the pass. A 3-Day Unlimited Pass costs $35.75, which includes the $2.25 cost of the card and $33.75 for the pass.

In Maryland, the Maryland Transit Administration offers a range of fare options, including a Day Pass, a Weekly Pass, and a Monthly Pass. The Day Pass is valid for unlimited travel on Local Service from the time of purchase until 3 am the following day and can be purchased for $4.30. The Weekly Pass is valid for unlimited travel on Local Service for seven days and can be purchased for $20.50. The Monthly Pass is valid for unlimited travel on Local Service for 31 days and can be purchased for $72.50.

Different types of MetroCard

The MetroCard is a thin, credit-card-sized fare card made of plastic. It has been used to pay for public transportation in New York City for many decades, but it is being replaced by the new OMNY system. MetroCards can be purchased from MetroCard vending machines, which are available at all subway stations. The cost of a MetroCard is $1, and this fee is not refundable and cannot be used to pay for rides.

There are two types of MetroCard: Regular (or Pay-Per-Ride) and Unlimited Ride. The Regular MetroCard allows users to add monetary value to the card, which decreases each time they take the subway. The cost per ride is $2.90, and the card can be shared among up to four people. The card can also be used for other types of public transportation, such as buses and the AirTrain to/from JFK airport.

The Unlimited Ride MetroCard allows users to ride the subway and buses as often as they want within a specific time window. There are two time windows available: 7-Day Unlimited Ride and 30-Day Unlimited Ride. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride costs $34 plus a $1 fee for the card, while the 30-Day Unlimited Ride costs $132 plus a $1 fee. These cards cannot be shared by multiple people, as there is an 18-minute delay between each swipe to prevent this.

Additionally, there is a Single-Ride MetroCard option, which costs $3. This card cannot be refilled or used for transfers between the subway and bus.

How to get to Columbia University

Columbia University is located in the Morningside Heights neighbourhood of Manhattan's Upper West Side in New York City. The campus is walkable and bordered by Riverside Park and Morningside Park, with Central Park and multiple subway and bus lines nearby, connecting the university to the rest of the city.

By Subway

The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway is a cost-effective and convenient way to commute to Columbia University. To get to the university, take the (1) train to 116. If you are south of 96 on the Broadway IRT (1), (2), and (3), ensure you are on a (1) train before leaving 96. This means walking across the platform at 96 to the local track when service is running normally. When (2) and (3) trains are running local, usually late at night and sometimes due to system maintenance, you will need to get off at 96 and wait for a (1) train on the same track.

By Bus

The most direct route to Columbia University from 116 is by taking the M4 (heading downtown). The bus can be picked up at 116 and Broadway, makes a left on 110, and a right down 5th Avenue, with a stop at 86 for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The M4 runs back up along Madison Avenue.

By Car

There are parking options for bikes, scooters, and cars at Columbia University.

Frequently asked questions