Taxicabs are synonymous with New York City, and for good reason: More than 10,000 yellow cabs cruise the streets of New York. The sheer volume alone makes cabs one of the easiest modes of transportation to New York getaways. As of 2010, average cab fare in New York includes a $2.50 base fare plus 40 cents for every one-fifth of a mile, plus several additional charges, including state tax, toll fees for bridges and added fees for traveling during peak times. Taxis in New York can become expensive if used often.
More than 4.3 million people ride the New York City subway system each day, and in 2009, nearly 1.6 billion people used New York's subways, the fourth-highest ridership total in the world that year. Maintained by the city of New York and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the subway system is an easy way to get to destinations throughout New York City, with more than 6,300 cars in operation, 468 subway stations and an average cost of about $2.25 per ride, as of 2010. Cheaper rates can be had with the purchase of one of several special-rate multi-ride MetroCards.
New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority runs railroad service to and from the city, with more than 20 stops and routes running along the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Railroad lines. Amtrak also offers service to and from New York, with stations in New Rochelle and at New York's Penn Station. One-way train fares on the city's main lines range from $3.50 to $25 in 2010, depending on the route and time of day you're traveling.
New York has three main bus companies that provide service --- New York City Transit, Long Island Bus and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bus Company. You'll find buses running throughout New York City, with stops near the area's getaway locations, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. Single-ride bus tickets are $2.50 as of 2010, and $5.50 for an express bus ride. As with the subways, cheaper rates can be had with the purchase of one of several special-rate multi-ride MetroCards. Atlantic Express and New York City Transit each offer express routes between Manhattan and Staten Island's south shore.
