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City Guide - New York - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport Public transport in New York is run by Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) - New York City Transit (tel: (718) 330 1234; web site www.mta.nyc.ny.us) whose services are cheaper and more efficient than the number of private companies also operating. New York's subway is fast, air-conditioned and cheap, and much safer than it is reputed to be, although still best avoided at night. The vast network of 468 stations serves 24 routes - more than any other system in the world - which are identified by letters or by numbers, and serve Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Staten Island is served by Staten Island Railway. Entrance is from a subway token or MetroCard, for a flat fare of US$1.50. 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. There are three kinds of MetroCard passes. Unlimited Ride MetroCards are valid for seven or 30 days (cost: US$17 or US$63) and expire at midnight on the final day of validity; whereas the one-day Fun Pass is valid until 0300 the following day (cost: US$4). Pay-Per-Ride Metrocards offer 11 rides for the price of ten and are available in US$15 increments; free transfers to connecting bus/subway 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. 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. The fare within New York City is the amount indicated on the meter at the end of the trip, 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, which is on the roof of the taxi, on the exterior of both passenger doors, on the dashboard and printed on the receipt. 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$440. Driving in the City Driving in Manhattan is not for the faint-hearted, and for visitors unfamiliar with the area a car is far from being an asset. The traffic is horrendous, parking fees are exorbitant at about US$25 per day and street parking is elusive. The business and entertainment areas get particularly congested and the fast pace can prove intimidating for tourists. 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. Hire rates for a small car start from about US$60 per day and there is a 13.25% tax on top. Major operators include: Avis (tel: (718) 244 5406); Budget (tel: (718) 656 6010); Hertz (tel: (718) 656 7600) and National (tel: (718) 632 8300). Bicycle Hire Many New Yorkers brave the traffic on bikes but 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$35 a day; as well as a leisurely two-hour guided bike tour of Central Park (cost: US$30). |