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New MetroCard Math: Figuring Out The 2013 Fare Hike Calculus

Which type of MetroCard will fit you just right? — Bitch Cakes's flickr

Published Dec 20, 2012

Modified Dec 20, 2012

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Now that the MTA has approved the latest round of fare hikes (they kick in March 1st, 2013) it's time to whip out your calculators and do a little MetroCard math. Or just let the internet do it for you! If you want to know how much to spend to get a MetroCard with no change left over, read on!

First, let's review the new fares versus the current fares. Right now a single ride costs $2.25, if you spend more than $10 on a MetroCard you are awarded with a 7 percent bonus, 7-day unlimited ride MetroCards cost $29 and 30-day unlimited MetroCards cost $104. That means:

You need to spend $35.75 to get exactly 17 rides.

You must ride the subway 14 times (two rides per workday and four on the weekend) to make a 7-day MetroCard worthwhile.

And you must ride the subway 50 times (twice per workday and ten times over four weekends) to make a 30-day unlimited MetroCard worthwhile.

Starting March 1st, however, things will be a little different. A single ride will cost $2.50, if you spend more than $5 on a MetroCard you will be awarded a 5 percent bonus, 7-day unlimited ride MetroCards will cost $30 and 30-day unlimited ride MetroCards will cost $112. Which means, drumroll please:

You need to spend just $11.90 to get exactly five rides.

You must ride the subway 13 times (two rides per workday and three on the weekend) to make a 7-day MetroCard worthwhile.

And you must ride the subway 48 times (two rides per workday and eight on the weekend) to make a 30-day unlimited MetroCard worthwhile.

And when you look at the fare hike that way, suddenly it doesn't look so bad. Though now unlimited cards will cost more, it'll be just a touch easier to make sure they are cost-effective.

Meanwhile, if you are planning on buying up your unlimited MetroCards in February before the hike kicks in, be careful. The MTA has been to this rodeo before and knows what it is doing.