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| Home > City Guide - New York - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public transport in New York is run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), New York City Transit (tel: (718) 330 1234; website www.mta.nyc.ny.us). Services are cheaper and more efficient than the number of private companies also operating in the city. New York’s subway is fast, air conditioned, cheap and much safer than it used to be, although still best avoided at night. The vast network of almost 500 stations serves 24 routes – more than any other system in the world – that are identified by letters or by numbers. These serve Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Staten Island is served by the small-scale MTA Staten Island Railway (tel: (718) 966-SIRT). Entrance is gained from a subway token or MetroCard, for a flat fare of US$1.50, available at subway stations and newsagents. On average, subway trains run every two to five minutes during rush hour, every ten to 15 minutes during off-peak times and every 20 minutes 0000-0500. The Staten Island Railway operates 24 hours. Bus services are extensive and bus stops are located on street corners about every two or three blocks. Fares cost US$1.50 – paid with a MetroCard, subway token or exact change. Buses operate 24 hours. There are three kinds of MetroCard passes. Unlimited Ride MetroCards, costing US$17 or US$63, are valid for seven or 30 days and expire at midnight on the final day of validity. The one-day Fun Pass costs US$4 is valid until 0300 the following day. Pay-Per-Ride Metrocards offer 11 rides for the price of ten and are available in US$15 increments – free transfers to connecting bus or subway routes is included if used within two hours. All passes are available at subway stations and from newsagents. Taxis A trip to New York is not complete without a ride in one of the city’s famous yellow cabs. Taxis are governed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (tel: (212) 676 1000). Drivers are required to take passengers to any destination within the five boroughs of New York City or Nassau County, Westchester County and Newark Airport. Fare begins at US$2, then increases 30 cents, every fifth of a mile or 90 seconds of waiting time, plus tolls (if any) and a 10-15% tip. There is a US$0.50 surcharge for trips commencing between 2000 and 0600. In the event that there is a problem with the ride, passengers should note the driver’s six-digit license number – located on the roof of the taxi, on the exterior of both passenger doors, on the dashboard and printed on the receipt – and report it toe the Taxi and Limousine Commission. Limousines Limousines can be hired from numerous companies throughout the city, including Chris Limousines (tel: (718) 356 3232) and Executive Town Car (tel: (516) 538 8551). Day rates start from about US$550. Driving in the City Driving in Manhattan is not for the faint hearted and is not recommended to visitors. The traffic is horrendous, parking fees are exorbitant – approximately US$30 per day – and street parking is elusive. The business and entertainment areas get particularly congested and the fast pace can prove intimidating for tourists. In the unfortunate event of having a car in New York, visitors should try the GMC Park Plaza, 407 61st Street, between First Avenue and York Avenue (tel: (212) 838 4158), which is among the cheapest of the parking locations around the city. Drivers should avoid parking on the street, as there are restrictive rules, rampant ticketing and a high danger of theft. Car Hire A valid national driving licence is required for driving in New York, although an International Driving Permit is required by some car hire firms. Minimum third-party insurance is required and drivers must be at least 25 years old. Major providers include Avis (tel: (718) 244 5406; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (718) 656 6010; website: www.budgetrentacar.com) and Hertz (tel: (718) 656 7600; website: www.hertz.com). Prices start from US$30 a day plus tax for standard hire car. Bicycle Hire Many New Yorkers brave the traffic on bikes, however, this is not recommended for visitors. Cycling around one of New York’s parks is by far a preferable option. Central Park Bicycle Tours/Rentals (tel: (212) 541 8759) offers individual bicycle hire for US$36.50 a day, as well as a leisurely two-hour guided bike tour of Central Park, costing US$35 (summer only). |
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