Public transportation senior qualifications for rebates/special pricing all over Switzerland:

* qualifying age is age 65 men / 64 women - that is also the 'official' retiring age - also the start to get the first pay out of the state run penison fund (called AHV): in 2008 everyone gets at least the minimum of SFr 1'105/month and can reach, depending on your contributions over 45 years of work a maximum of SFr 2'210/month.
* everyone (doesn't have to be swiss, doesn't have to live here, just show your passport) qualifies

a rebate example: a yearly pass for all (local and long-distance, mountain trains excluded) public transportations (train, bus, trolley, tram, ship) all over Switzerland costs SFr 2'350/year (instead of SFr 3'100) in second class.

qualification: must be VIC (Victoria) senior resident (> 65).

San Francisco, CA: BART

qualification: > anyone > 65

for seniors a $24 electronic-ticket only costs $7

this senior ticket is only available at a few special designated outlets. I always get mine right after arrival at SFO airport (international terminal, arrival zone, at the information desk) - so far they never even asked for my passport when buying it and it is transferableand has no expiry date.

San Francisco, CA: BART

qualification: > anyone > 65

for seniors a $24 electronic-ticket only costs $7

this senior ticket is only available at a few special designated outlets. I always get mine right after arrival at SFO airport (international terminal, arrival zone, at the information desk) - so far they never even asked for my passport when buying it and it is transferableand has no expiry date.

Rudi, thank you for letting us know. We'll get them on Saturday morning for our trip downtown to catch our Princess cruise on Saturday afternoon.

I love it, Rudi, when you sit around and think of ways to save me money. :D

I love it, Rudi, when you sit around and think of ways to save me money. :D

this is my egoistic way to enable you to pay my usual birthday dinners when visiting me in Switzerland :p

Speaking of the Bay Area, we like to go to World Affairs Council, which requires a long drive and awful parking prices. We now take Caltrain for $7.50 each RT from San Jose Tamien (free parking) and the 30 bus for $1 each RT right to our destination. Lots of places to eat in the vicinity. Recently, we stayed two nights at the Hilton Financial Dist (we heartily recommend it for location near Chinatown) and they kept asking us where our car was (did not want to lose the $50/night rate!!). Fortunately, we seniors have the time to research the transit systems. Must take care, however, as some places only give the senior discount to locals.

The New York Subway system will give a senior a free coupon for a return trip for off-hours travel. I do not know what constitutes off-hours nor do I know the definition of senior. All I know is that one day about a year ago at about 11AM, my gray hair was enough and the man in the booth did not even glance at my driver's license when it was proffered (sort of like the TSA).

No matter, I never used that return ticket and took a cab home.

The New York Subway system

but officially Senior discounts on the MET are only for local senior residents.

The New York Subway system

but officially Senior discounts on the MET are only for local senior residents.:rolleyes: The driver's license that I pulled out to show him was from Florida.

here is the link regarding senior qualification for local transports in the New York area (http://www.mta.info/nyct/fare/pdf/seniors.pdf) (application form is at the bottom)

Rudi, I ride the NYC bus and subway almost daily and have a RFM. But I see countless obvious seniors simply deposit coins for half-fare in the bus farebox and display nothing to the driver (a sign flashes the fare type). When I forget the card, I have my Medicare card handy if challenged (and am secretly pleased).

As monitor points out, when tokens were still accepted, it was possible to go to a subway booth, pay the full fare, get a token and a return coupon that had to be surrendered to the booth clerk (or bus driver) when used. With tokens no longer accepted, I’m not sure how that now works.

In any case, bus travel for seniors usually requires only half-fare coins, with a transfers to another bus line available on request. There can be no free transfer between bus and subway without a Metrocard.

But there are some very good nulti-fare deals for non-residents of any age.

As it turned out, a one-way ticket to the Embarcadero was only $5.35, so that was cheaper than a senior pass. Of course, there is a mile walk from the Embarcadero station to the cruise ship. So, unless you want to take a taxi, it is advisable to setrict one's luggage and stay in good shape. :)

Yesterday afternoon, I took advantage of the "Honored Senior Citizen's" discount fare of $0.85 for the ride from the airport to Pioneer Square. ;) This pass is valid for a period of 2 hrs.

Punki paid the full fare of $2.05 since she's too young. :D

This week we learned that Medicare Card holders can ride the New Jersey train from Penn Station to EWR for only $11.25, as opposed to $14.00 for adults.

I just can't wait until I am that old. :D

I think one of the best and fastest ways between Manhattan and EWR is on the bus at the Port Authority or Grand Central or Bryant Park. There is a 50% Senior discount (62+) on the one-way ($7.50 vs. $15.00) and 40% RT ($15.00 vs. $25.00).

I think one of the best and fastest ways between Manhattan and EWR is on the bus at the Port Authority or Grand Central or Bryant Park. There is a 50% Senior discount (62+) on the one-way ($7.50 vs. $15.00) and 40% RT ($15.00 vs. $25.00).

thank you - I wasn't aware of this discount (starting at 62) while having used this bus last year.

Is this senior discount linked to any formality (like being a NY resident)?

Thank you kappa. Just as Rudi, we did not know about that discount the last time we took the bus but will be sure to look for it now.

Note to Rudi: Unlike many places, in the States the senior citizens discounts are seldom, if ever, linked to any residence requirements and any piece of ID will do.
Actually, a good head of gray hair can frequently obviate the need for any ID whatsoever. :)

I learned about it when I once saw a notice at the cashier window of the ticket office in the PA terminal. But you can see it on the Ground Transportation page for EWR on the Port Authority website.

No, there are no residence requirements. In fact, like Monitor, I have never run into them in the States, as I have in some places in Europe. It's been a long time since I was challenged. Now, it would be a compliment.

There is a Senior (62+) fare for Amtrak trains (our national passenger railroad - such as it is). I'm not sure what the percentage-off is; but the fact there is a discount is listed on the website. There are also Senior fares on the Metro North trains that arrive in Grand Central. My experience has been that it is up to 40%.

As to Amtrak, I have it in my User Profile, so I get it when I make a reservation and pay with a CC. On Metro North trains (to CT, Westchester and point North), I ask for it at the ticket window or use the 'Senior' button on the ticket vending machines.

I seldom ride the LIRR or NJ Transit into Penn Station, so I am not sure about them (Punki posted something above). But my rule is to at least ask every time I hand over money at a window or desk for something intangible like transportation or attendance. I do this all over the world.

As an aside, although it is not advertised, Gristedes Supermarkets in NYC give a 10% discount on Tuesdays. But, you usually must ask for it.

This is for all senior discounts.

I believe 65+ and any disabled can ride the Philadelphia buses for free and the Septa trains at a very reduced fare, see www.septa.com . Also the Washington DC Metro discount senior fare is about 50% or perhaps more but not all stations sell the these tickets (see www.wmata.com ).

MisterNice

VIA has some excellent deals available, depending how far ahead you book and then availability on the trains when booking closer in.


If you are travelling with someone 60 yr or older... the 2nd person goes free and the 60 yr old person gets a 10% discount as well.

It is quite pleasant to take, its clean, runs on time and the seats are fairly comfortable.

A Reduced Fare MetroCard is the ticket for tourists or travelers 65 or older who want to save big bucks on transportation throughout the New York City region, starting from anywhere.
What’s more, travelers can use the card everywhere in the region on Metropolitan Transit Authority buses, trains and subways. Regular subway or bus fare is $2 per person but $1 for senior citizens per ride. Large discounts are also available on Long Island Railroad commuter trains and Metro North trains to nearby suburbs.
The key is applying for the card at least a month in advance. Age and a valid I.D. are the only requirements, regardless of a visitor’s permanent home town !!!
Step by Step - Getting A Reduced Fare MetroCard
Print out an application from the MTA website.
Obtain a passport sized photo of yourself
Have a notary public stamp the application in the space provided.
Charge the first $10 on a credit or debit card or enclose a check or money order.
Mail application and photo with a Xerox or photocopy of a driver’s license or other proof of age that includes your picture to the address provided..
Applicants typically receive the card within one month, and can use it immediately upon arrival in the City.

Those who don’t want the hassle of applying in advance for a Reduced Fare MetroCard can get one easily (with photo I.D. or driver’s license) at the Walk In Center in lower Manhattan, without a notary. They will take your picture and help you fill out the form.
(copied from MTA Web site, and I have one, living in Maine, visiting the City twice a year, card good for 2yrs)

Those who don’t want the hassle of applying in advance for a Reduced Fare MetroCard can get one easily (with photo I.D. or driver’s license) at the Walk In Center in lower Manhattan, without a notary. They will take your picture and help you fill out the form.
(copied from MTA Web site, and I have one, living in Maine, visiting the City twice a year, card good for 2yrs)


Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, wonder if the office is open on Saturdays. We'll be there this weekend.
Thanks for the info.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, wonder if the office is open on Saturdays. We'll be there this weekend.
Thanks for the info.

address and next metro station, please?

address and next metro station, please?

Just got off the phone with a very helpful attendant after a long wait. Unfortunately the office isn't open on the weekends.

However, he said that all I had to do was show my Medicare card to get the discount.
Here it is (http://www.mta.info/nyct/fare/rfcenter.htm)

If you want to mail it in, go here (http://www.mta.info/nyct/fare/rfapply.htm).

Dangge (swiss german) = Danke = thank you!

You're welcome (American English). ;)

I just got my reduced fare Metrocard last month. I went to the walk in office with my application already filled out. I had my picture taken and was out of there with a card within the hour (but there was no line when I entered - there was quite a line when we left). The card I was given had to have $$ put on it at a machine or window clerk, and the prepaid card (automatically refilled via my credit card) was mailed to me (I got it within 2 weeks). For me, it was a "painless" experience, and we got to see lower Manhattan, which we had not visited before.

We also get "half price" tickets from NJ Transit trains into NYC with no restrictions. We frequently take the train in from Dover NJ to Penn Station NYC for $11 round trip. With the reduced price theatre tickets from TDF, a day in the city can be had for not that much $$.



DD

Thanks for all the useful info about NYC Metro cards. ^

I have 2 questions which I'm confident the FT experts will have the answers to:
- I understand that single journeys cost $1 instead of $2. Is there a discount on unlimited ride tickets?
- I'd like to have the card before I arrive. Will the MTA service UK/Swiss addresses?

Thanks.

We needed to get from Manhattan Beach to LAX to pick up our car. I was impressed not only by the low base fares but also the senior fares.

Regular: $1.25
62+/disabled: $0.55; $0.25 off-peak*
62+/disabled: monthly $14, application form http://www.metro.net/images/sdm_app.pdf
- requires CA driving license or CA ID, so probably not available to non-CAers, £2 fee

* Off-peak = 0900-1500 and 1900-0500 weekdays, all day weekends

Other fares at http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/riders_guide/paying_fare.htm

... requires CA driving license or CA ID, so probably not available to non-CAers ...[/url]

On the Los Angeles metro-system (underground and local bus) I got the senior fares (must be over 60 only) just by showing my swiss passport. No problem and no fee. My experience dates back 3 years, I hope they didn't change the rules since.

I see Rudi already mentioned part of this in the Airlines thread.

On the Los Angeles metro-system (underground and local bus) I got the senior fares (must be over 60 only) just by showing my swiss passport. No problem and no fee. My experience dates back 3 years, I hope they didn't change the rules since.Hello, Rudi. My post was not clear. Yes, what you say is absolutely correct (except it's now 62+). It's the $14 monthly ticket that requires the form and asks for the CA qualification. I'd like to think that foreigners - and even Nevadans and the like - could qualify.

Roger,

For information on the MTA senior card, go to http://www.easypaymetrocard.com


I think you can choose either a card where you put a certain amount of $$$ on it or it can be automatically refilled via a credit card (which I have). It also states that the card automatically reverts to an unlimited ride ticket after you use it a certain amount of times in a day. I found this out in the FAQ section.

Don't know if you have to be a US resident to get this, but the site has an address you can write to:

EasyPay MetroCardAccount Service Center
P.O. Box 30211
Tampa, Florida 33630-3211


or you could call

EasyPay MetroCard Account Service Center
1-877-323-RIDE (7433)
9AM to 5PM weekdays, except holidays
9AM to 2PM Saturdays

During non-business hours call
1-212-METROCARD (638-7622)

Outside New York City
1-800-METROCARD (638-7622)
9 AM to 11 PM weekdays



Good Luck!



DD

Thanks, DD.

Roger,

Let us know how things worked out.

Hope thing work out as you want.



DD