The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on March 19 launched a new MetroCard Calculator, a handy tool that will assist customers with planning a new card purchase or refilling a full fare Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard. The MetroCard Calculator is available at its website.
When a customer enters a dollar amount for the purchase of a new MetroCard, or the dollar amount of a planned refill, the calculator determines:
- Value added with the 11 percent bonus on purchases of $5.50 or more
- The number of rides the customer gets for the money
- Any remaining balance on the MetroCard
For refills, the customer can also enter the remaining balance on the card which they can get from swiping their MetroCard at a MetroCard reader located in subway stations.
The calculator will also offer suggestions for new card purchases and refill amounts that will end in zero balances. In addition, the calculator will offer suggestions on the type of MetroCard that offers the best value based on the dollar amount entered. For example, for a new card purchase of $32 ($31 value less $1 new card fee), the calculator will suggest the customer consider a 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard if the customer rides the subway or local bus 13 or more times in a 7-day period.
Customers will also have the option of applying for the EasyPayXpress MetroCard in order to enjoy the benefits of a MetroCard that never runs out of rides. The EasyPayXpress MetroCard is linked to the customer’s credit or debit card, and refills automatically. With EasyPay there's no more waiting in line to buy or refill a MetroCard.
