Even in pouring rain, seniors lined up outside the office of Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein for the convenience of taking care of their public transit needs on a parked city bus through the MTA Reduced-Fare MetroCard Program on Tuesday, January 3rd.
Seniors can apply for the Half-Fare MetroCard with proof of age (65+) and a valid photo I.D. after completing a free application.
The bus itself, which looks like an official MTA bus on the outside, is surprisingly similar to a mobile office on the inside with windowed stations to take care of customers seeking a new card or looking to add money to their existing card. A photo is taken and cash payment is accepted.
Applications can also be accepted online or in person at the customer service station located at 3 Stone Street in Manhattan, but many seniors prefer the simplicity of taking care of their needs in person.
Although reduced-fare OMNY cards won’t be available until next year, seniors have the option of connecting their card with OMNY.
The bus is available every first Tuesday of the month outside Weinstein’s office, at 3520 Nostrand Avenue. The next bus will be at her office on Tuesday, February 7th, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The program, which also serves the disabled, is also available at Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse’s office at 5827 Flatlands Avenue and takes place every first and third Tuesday of each month, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
