New Perfect Balance for Your MetroCard – $ 27.25
Last year, Ben Wellington of the data analysis blog I Quant NY found the perfect amount to add to your MetroCard so you can get accurate trip counts and never miss a train because you’re a few cents short. Now, with new tariff hikes, the new Ideal Balance is $ 22.30 or $ 27.25, and there’s even a quick buy button.
The old ideal amounts to add to your MetroCard were $ 11.90 for exactly five trips, $ 19.05 for eight trips, and $ 30.95 for exactly 13 trips. Why these numbers? The whole system is confusing because you get bonus amounts added to your card depending on how much you pay, and the system was designed to be cash-friendly and easy to change. Wellington said the only ideal amount you can select now using the More Amounts button is $ 22.30 for exactly nine trips and $ 27.25 for exactly 11 trips . Anything else will leave you with a near worthless balance on your card.
Luckily, MTA has added a button to the main buy screen that offers the perfect option for $ 27.25, and has also created a MetroCard calculator if you want to check your math data. Whether you live in New York or just planning to arrive, this information will help you stay on track and not waste your time. You can read more about Wellington analysis at the link below.
I appreciate the victory: MTA adds a new button for metro cards with no balance left! | I am Quant, New York