MTA Metro-North Railroad is encouraging businesses and riders to use the “bulk ticket” program as they return to public transportation. Buying tickets in bulk can support business and organizational needs such as travel to meetings or alternate work sites. Users can conveniently set up an account to purchase 10 or more tickets at one time with one credit card.
Although the MTA has seen fare revenue decrease since the onset of the pandemic, bulk ticket sales have remained steady. Some of Metro-North's bulk ticket clients include businesses, schools and private organizations who provide tickets to their employees, students, members and clients. Monthly, 10-trip, one- way and round-trip tickets are available through the program.
“Bulk tickets are a great way for businesses to support employees getting to and from work,” said Catherine Rinaldi, Metro-North President. “Their many uses mean that everyone from office employees, to construction workers, to students can travel quickly, easily and safely on Metro-North.”
According to the Partnership for New York City’s Return to Office Survey, 26% of firms plan to offer returning employees at least one transportation benefit that was not offered pre-COVID. Those benefits include subsidized transit passes.
Metro-North recently worked with a construction company that ordered seven different monthly tickets for seven employees, totaling more than $3,000. A major area retailer has routinely purchased hundreds of monthly passes and 10-trip tickets allowing them to provide transportation to employees who reside in different markets throughout the region. And, EF Academy New York, an international boarding school, purchased over $10,000 in tickets in the past six months for students and staff to travel from their Tarrytown campus to Grand Central Terminal.
There is no maximum purchase for bulk ticket customers and multiple ticket types may be purchased in one order. Customers must buy at least 10 tickets that can include Metro-North one-way, round trip, monthly or 10-trip packages. Orders are taken via email, verified and processed online before being printed and hand delivered. Other MTA agencies are looking into similar bulk ticketing options.
For more information about purchasing bulk tickets on Metro-North, email groupsales@mnr.org. Click here to learn more about the Bulk Ticket program and the Group Travel Program.
Customers are reminded to wear masks when traveling on Metro-North Railroad and social distance whenever possible. By using Metro-North Train Time, customers can check train departure times, track assignment and real-time status.