The New York MetroCard is a pre-paid card that helps you pay for the transportation fare while taking subways or buses. It not only eliminates the trouble of carrying a lot of cash but also makes it more convenient and efficient to access the subway station. The pocket-size card is so portable that you are recommended to get one no matter for commuting or traveling.
MTA issues a Reduced Fare MetroCard for seniors (RFM) and people with disabilities as a public welfare and today we are going to talk about discount Metrocard for seniors. It is designed for those aged 65 or above with the name and identity photo on it. The cardholders only pay 50% off the regular price. In this passage, we will introduce how to apply for a senior Metrocard, how to renew or replace it and how to take a qualified Metrocard photo.
How Do I Get a Senior Citizen Metrocard In NYC
The RFM application is free of charge. There are three types of application methods available: online, by mail or offline.
Required Documents
No matter which type of application method you choose, you should prepare the following documents in advance:
- 2 valid IDs and one of them must have a photo on it. A photo ID could be a valid driver’s license, a valid passport of any country, an NYC Aging ID card and a Medicare card.
- Passport-style biometric photo (for more information, please see the following part, New York Metrocard Photo Requirements)
Apply for Senior Citizen Metrocard Online
Step 1: Visit the MTA registration page for reduced-fare option and complete a registration.
Step 2: Import the 2 x 1.5 inches digital photo.
Step 3: Import a copy valid ID to prove your identity and age. Passengers with disabilities must upload proof of qualifying disabilities (such as severe mental illness, deafness or hearing problems, blindness, cognitive disability, etc.).
Step 4: Submit your application.
Apply Senior Citizen Metrocard by Mail
Step 1: Download the application form and fill in it.
Step 2: Attach a valid biometric photo (2 x 1.5 inches).
Step 3: Include a photocopy of valid IDs;
Step 4: Mail your form and documents to the MTA office. The address is listed below:
📍 MTA New York City Transit
Att: Reduced Fare Program
130 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201-9625
Apply for Senior Citizen Metrocard in Person
Step 1: Get all materials prepared and make an appointment with the MTA customer service center.
Step 2: Visit there during office hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday). It is located at 3 Stone Street, New York NY, 10004. You can go to a MetroCard Bus or Van.
How to Refill an NYC Senior Metrocard
If your card balance is below the fare, you have to refill it. There are three recharging methods.
At a MetroCard vending machine
Wherever there is a MetroCard machine in the stations, you can insert it into the machine, and choose the amount you want and payment method (debit card, credit card and cash). Fulfill payment and get back your card. Then, it is ready to use again.
At a mobile sales vehicle
Mobile sales buses and vans spread in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. You can also pay in cash. However, please note that they are unavailable on holidays, such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and so on.
Automatic refill with EasyPay
When it comes to how to refill senior citizen Metrocard online, automatic EasyPay service is good for you. By signing up for EasyPay, the credit card or debit card information would be linked to your account. Whenever the card has no sufficient balance, it would be automatically recharged by drafting money from the bank account. In this case, you don’t have to keep monitoring the balance or reload it manually. Just stop looking around for a MetroCard vending machine or mobile sales vehicle.
What If My Senior Metrocard Expired?
Every MetroCard has a validity period Whether it is Pay per ride or limitless ride. It usually lasts for 1 year upon purchase. Check the expiration date printed in the upper left corner of the back of the card. Supposing that your MetroCard expires, you have to transfer the remaining balance to a new card within 2 years, or it would be no longer available. It is possible to finish the transfer on a MetroCard Vending Machine if has expired within 1 year. If not, you have to send it back to the MetroCard Customer Claims. Get a postage-paid Business Reply Envelope from the station agent and send it to:
📍 MetroCard Customer Claims
130 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
What If My Senior Metrocard Lost?
If you find it lost or stolen, you have to apply for a senior Metrocard replacement.
First of all, report the loss first in case of fraud or economic loss which can be done by calling MTA Customer Service Center at 511 or 718-330-1234 during working hours (6 a.m. – 10 p.m.), or by filing an online claim.
Then, they will deactivate the old card and send you a new one by mail. The remaining balance or unlimited rides on the old card will be transferred to the new one after verification.
Make NYC Senior Metrocard Photo Online
As you can see, a valid ID photo is required when applying for a reduced-fare MetroCard. However, it is hard work for the senior to rush around and look for a photographer’s house. Now, the photo can be taken without stepping out of the home with the help of AiPassportPhotos. The whole process includes taking photos with smartphones at home, uploading the photo and waiting for a few seconds, which is quite convenient and user-friendly. AiPassportPhotos would adjust the photo size and background, but you have to take care of the facial expressions, dressing and posture. Here are some photo requirements you should keep in mind before taking a shot on your own.
- The photo must be colored and taken within one month of the Senior MetroCard application.
- Make sure to show your head and shoulder in the photo without another person or items.
- Keep your head in the center of the frame.
- Keep a neutral facial expression with open eyes and closed mouth.
- The whole face must be visible.
- Wear dark-colored and daily worn clothes. Uniforms are prohibited.
- Glasses are not allowed unless for medical reasons.
Summary
NYC Senior Metrocard is an additional benefit for citizens above 65 years old or older. If you or your family meet the requirements, it is necessary to apply for one. As you can see, the application or photography could be done online, by mail or in person. That is to say, you can choose the most suitable method according to your real situation. We hope this article will address your problems about how to apply for, use and deal with an expired or lost senior Metrocard.
Dolores Xiao