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   There were many instances in which the New York City Transit Authority issued tickets for special occasions; some were issued for a "one off" event while others were issued daily in regular service. 

   Some of these special occasions were sporting events, and some of these occasions were to garner more revenue during weekdays or late nights. As most of the passenger traffic was during morning or evening rush hours on weekdays, a lot of transit equipment sat idle during the off hour periods. 

   Obviously, this equipment cost money to purchase, as was the employees hired to operate the equipment; so having either sit idle was not financially sensible.

   So, the NYCTA operated "specials".

		The IND Division Rockaway Beach Line was unique to the single fare rule on rapid transit lines for regular service.    This line was purchased for $8,500,000 from the Long Island Railroad after several fires of the wood trestle over Jamaica Bay took place; the last of which was so severe the LIRR was content to abandon the line. The NYCTA completely rebuilt the route with fill and concrete trestles and connected to the IND Subway at Howard Beach Station at a cost of $57,000,000.    As proposed originally on February 16, 1956, it was supposed to be a 40 cent fare each way. 15 cents for the regular subway, and an additional 25 cents to be collected at Broad Channel. There was such sufficient outrage at this, considering it would cost 80 cents round trip for Rockaway residents, of which at the time a good portion of Rockaway was lower income; was in no doubt justified.    So, after public hearings on the matter and local politicians getting involved; on March 30, 1956 the NYCTA relented to a degree and reduced the proposed fare to 30 cents each way. The line then opened June 28, 1956.    Passengers using this route, which at one time or another saw use by the   lines, were charged a double fare south of the Howard Beach Station. The manner of collecting this extra fare entailed the following:    Northbound from the Rockaways: passengers entering along the line from any of the stations south of Howard Beach Station; required the deposit of two tokens into the turnstile upon entering the station.    For those already on board a southbound train from other parts of the system, an additional token was payable upon exit at stations south of Howard Beach Station.    For those passengers traveling only within the double-fare zone (between the Rockaways and Howard Beach Station) would request a special "refund ticket" from the token clerk, entitling them to a refund upon exiting the system, either in cash or a token from the token clerk at their station of destination. This ticket can be seen at right.    Needless to say, there was still outrage over the double fare, and a lawsuit filed, but on June 15, 1956; Supreme Court (New York) Justice Schwartzwald found in favor of the NYCTA, adding that the LIRR fare to the Rockaways (when the line was owned and operated by them) was higher than the fare being charged by the NYCTA. Fortunately, this quelled most dissent.    This double fare remained quite unpopular, and in 1972, the matter was revisited following another lawsuit. The NYCTA conducted a study that showed due to the increased population now residing in the Rockaways, lowering the fare to regular amount would not incur any undue loss of revenue.    But, it would not be abolished until September 1, 1975; which coincided with a system-wide fare increase, as well as an increase in tolls on the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridges.
front	back (oddly, the back is printed  upside down to the front. It is shown here with corrected orientation. Also note the front carries a 6-1-56 date, while the back has 8-72.

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   The most widely known of these special tickets was for the JFK Express. This service was heavily advertised on broadcast television and radio and the slogan, which a lot of people remember to this day was "Take the Train To The Plane".

   This special but scheduled service was assigned its own "bullet" on the roll signs on the subway and bus equipment:

   One of the perqs of the premium service and as a courtesy on trains originating at JFK Airport and heading towards the city, the passenger could request a stop at an intermediate station along the route. Such as, if the passenger wanted to disembark at Ralph Avenue, they told the transit clerk aboard the train who would relay the request to the motorman, to stop at that requested station. This would alleviate the need for the passenger and their luggage to have to go to a regular station of the JFK Express and either wait for a second "local" subway train or backtrack to their desired stop.

   Since the JFK Express was originally a three car train, (later expanded to four cars) it was significantly shorter than the standard eight or ten car subway trains. Special markings on the platforms told passengers where to stand, so they would not have to run to the spot where the train stopped from another area.

   Once the JFK Express train stopped, not all doors on all cars opened. The conductor would only open one set of doors to control egress. Once aboard, passengers would purchase their premium fare JFK Express tickets from the on-board train clerk. 

   Upon arrival at the Howard Beach / JFK Airport station; the JFK Express train stopped at the extreme south end of the southbound platform, and passengers disembarked from the train. They then walked a little way to an elevated pedestrian overpass, walked over to the northbound platform, then walked a few hundred feet north, up the platform to a ticket booth. Here passengers showed their premium fare ticket to a clerk in the booth. The fare for the JFK Express train included Loop Bus Service. However, for those passengers arriving to this location by regular subway, they would need to purchase a Loop Bus ticket.

   From this booth, passengers walked down a ramp to the sheltered bus stop in the parking lot. Here, they boarded the Express Airport Loop Bus. There were two routes: Bus Loop A or Bus Loop B, of which one would take the passenger(s) to their desired airline terminal of their departure (or employment).

   So, for "to JFK" passengers, you had two tickets circulating at the same time: the premium fare JFK Express ticket for $3.00, and the stand alone Loop Bus ticket for $1.00 for regular fare subway users.

   You now have two different ticket denominations in circulation. But wait - there's more...

From the Airport: regular and premium fare combined

   Let us not forget those passengers arriving by airplane at the airport and needing to go north towards the City (to include western Queens, downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan) or south to the Rockaways.

   Their first step would be to get on board the Express Airport Loop Bus, at their respective airline terminal. The bus was free until you got to the Howard Beach JFK subway station. Here they walked up the ramp to the northbound platform. At this juncture, passengers had two choices:

• pay the fare for the Loop Bus and prepay for regular IND train subway service, a $1.20 ticket (which provided a small discount)
  or
• take JFK Express train service, which was $3.50 ticket.

   Both of these tickets already had the base subway fare included in the price.

   And so, now you have four denominations of tickets circulating during one fare period for the JFK Express: $3.00 premium service or $1.00 bus only for those going to the airport; and $3.50 premium service and $1.20 loop bus and regular subway service for those leaving the airport.

At the airport: the Airport Express Bus Loop - during and after the JFK Express service

   The Express Bus Loop Service was also available as a stand alone service. You could use it to go from one terminal to another, say for a connecting flight; or you could take the bus from a terminal to a parking lot across the airport for free, or you could use it to take you to the Howard Beach / JFK Airport subway station which was the destination that was charged.

   An original car advertising sign reflects that not one, but two JFK Bus Loops operated at the airport: Bus Loop A for the southern half of the Airport, and Bus Loop B for the northern half:

Therefore, this mid-platform ticket booth, which divided the northern 300 foot section of northbound platform from the southern 750 foot area. This 300 foot northern section had a four car capacity and provided controlled access to the JFK Express Train premium fare and the ramp to Loop Bus area, as shown in the diagram below right.    Originally, this 300 foot section of platform was not covered, as evidenced by the image at right dated September 24, 1978. (Doug Grotjahn image, collection of Joseph Testagrose, nycsubway.org archives)    Also note that the original location of the mid-platform booth was located halfway between the original three car JFK Express Train length (about 125 feet from either end of the premium fare control area).    As seen in the image below which was taken a year later, the booth was now moved to the southern border of the 300 foot extra fare area, and the platform roofed over to provide covered egress for premium fare passengers. (They're paying $3.50 for an express train - better not make 'em stand in the rain!)    This 300' long separate platform control area, which was long enough to accommodate four 75' "B Division" cars; was connected by a covered inclined ramp down to the bus lane of the parking lot. Here, at ground level, another large covered shelter housed the boarding area for JFK Express passengers transferring to and from the Loop Buses.    In the image below, this mid-platform booth can be seen, along with signs for the regular subway fare and access the regular subway platform (no turnstile) - note the amount $1.50. This was not the cost of a token - but the cost of the Loop Bus and train ticket!

northbound (to NYC) platform, looking north note at least four crewpersons at far end.

northbound (to NYC) platform looking south The mid-platform ticket booth. Note signs on booth: NO EXIT, $1.50 and CC Local Service $1.50 Bklyn & Manhattan Also note the person holding the brown travel valise at back window of booth. This, in all likelihood; is a regular subway passenger purchasing a $1.00 JFK Loop Bus Ticket as they came in on the regular fare subway. Also note the ticket chopper under the $1.50 sign! August 1979 - Steve Hoskins photo - David Pirmann collection - courtesy of nycsubway.org

   In the image above left, we see farther south down the platform (and over the train), the overhead pedestrian bridge to the southbound platform (and for access to the southbound train to the Rockaways), the full time token booth at Coleman Square, or the exit to street.

   Undoubtedly, this mid-platform booth was also used to sell tickets for the Loop Bus to those incoming regular fare train passengers heading to the airport, and during those times when the booth was occupied during JFK Express hours of operation. Take note the booth is double sided. therefore, this mid-platform ticket booth also collected the fare for the Loop Bus passengers and payment to enter the regular fare train portion of the platform.

   Since the on-board JFK Express train clerk regulated access to the northbound / City-bound express train, neither a Loop Bus passenger nor regular subway fare  train passenger could "bum" a ride on the JFK Express without paying.

train had already paid their token at their originating station, and they would only need to pay for and access to the Loop Bus. Again, until now it was assumed the bus operator sold said ticket.

   But with the visual evidence of the mid-platform ticket booth, we now know tickets for the Loop Bus was sold at the ticket booth as well as the tickets for the loop bus and the

train

TO JFK:
via JFK Express :	Purchase 50¢ token to access subway, pay $3.00 premium fare on board JFK Express; upon arrival at Howard Beach Station, access to JFK Loop Bus included;
or
via regular subway train service:	Purchase token to access subway, detrain at Howard Beach Station, buy $1.00 JFK Loop Bus Ticket at mid-platform booth for access to JFK Loop Bus;
FROM JFK:
via JFK Express :	Board bus at airline terminal, disembark at bus ramp at Howard Beach Station and walk up to subway platform. If purchasing city-bound JFK Express train ticket ($3.50) you purchased it from "on board" clerk waiting at doors of subway train. The Loop Bus ride is included in the premium fare;
or
via regular subway train service:	or pay $1.20 cash at mid-platform booth ($1.00 for Loop Bus plus 20¢ discounted subway fare), no token required for access to subway train.

date	base subway fare	JFK Express Train  TO JFK Airport (does not include regular fare for subway)	Express Bus Loop bus and JFK Express Train FROM JFK Airport (includes base fare for subway)	Express Bus Loop bus and   Train FROM airport	Express Bus Loop onlyc TO JFK Airport	JFK Employee tickets (book of 20 tickets)
September 23, 1978	.50	$3.00	$3.50	$1.20	$1.00	n/a
January 1, 1979	.50	n/c	n/c	n/c	n/c	$25.00 ($1.25)	On January 1, 1979; employees of the various airlines as well as employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who worked at JFK airport; were provided with a discounted book of twenty tickets, sold for $25 ($1.25 per ticket).
June 28, 1980	.60	$3.40	$4.00	$1.50	$1.20	$30.00 ($1.50)
July 3, 1981	.75	$4.25	$5.00	$1.80	$1.50	$45.00? ($2.25?)	This era of JFK Express train service also provided service to the Aqueduct Racetrack when racing was in session and upon request of the passenger.
January 2, 1984	.90	$5.10	$6.00	$2.00?	$1.80
January 1, 1986	1.00	$5.50	$6.50	$2.25	$2.00	$50.00? ($2.50)	On January 1, 1986, the cost of an JFK employee discount ticket rose from $2.25 to $2.50. For this fare, $6.00 tickets were redacted and overprinted with $6.50.b
		$5.50	$5.50				see ticket below
January 1, 1990	1.15	$5.60?a $6.35?a	$6.75 $7.50?a	n/c?	n/c?		JFK Express service was discontinued April 15, 1990

^a - $5.60 denomination ticket not yet seen or confirmed, but believed to exist. Furthermore, the December 16, 1989 article in New York Times states the JFK Express fare was to rise to $6.35 and token. This would correspond to a "from airport" ticket
     fare of $7.50; none of which have been seen.
^b - $6.50 non-redacted tickets have not yet been seen.
^c - fare for shuttle bus when not used with JFK Express train.
n/c = no change

JFK Employees JFK Express Ticket (bi-directional) - 1978 paid to on-board ticket clerk. Globe Ticket
September 23, 1978
		....
FROM NYC / TO AIRPORT 50 cent subway fare paid at token booth + $3.00 JFK Express fare & Shuttle Bus paid to on-board ticket clerk. Globe Ticket		TO NYC / FROM AIRPORT Shuttle Bus and JFK Express  from JFK Airport $3.50 JFK Express fare and subway combined and paid to Bus Loop Operator Globe Ticket above National Ticket below
June 28, 1980
FROM NYC / TO AIRPORT 60 cent subway fare paid at token booth + $3.40 JFK Express fare & Shuttle Bus paid to on-board ticket clerk Globe Ticket		TO NYC / FROM AIRPORT $4.00 - JFK Express fare and subway combined and paid to Bus Loop Operator
July 3, 1981
FROM NYC / TO AIRPORT 75 cent subway fare paid at token booth + $4.25 JFK Express fare & Shuttle Bus paid to on-board ticket clerk expedient $4.25 ($3.00 ticket overstamped to $4.25 - Globe Ticket $4.25 - Globe Ticket		TO NYC / FROM AIRPORT $5.00 - JFK Express fare and subway combined and paid to Bus Loop Operator
January 2, 1984
FROM NYC / TO AIRPORT 90 cent subway fare paid at token booth + $5.10 JFK Express fare and Shuttle Bus to JFK Airport  paid to on-board ticket clerk goldenrod is Globe Ticket above pale cream is unknown printer below		TO NYC / FROM AIRPORT $6.00 - JFK Express fare and subway combined  paid to Bus Loop Operator Arcus Ticket
January 1, 1986
$1.00 subway fare paid at token booth + $5.50 JFK Express fare and Shuttle Bus (free) to JFK Airport paid to on-board ticket clerk Globe Ticket		$6.00 redacted, overstamped to $6.50 - Shuttle Bus (free) and JFK Express  from JFK Airport paid to Bus Loop Operator note: no perforation on right side for bus stub. Arcus Ticket
And now, for another fly in the ointment. These $5.50 tickets below, differ significantly from the one above left (and others prior to it), as the tickets below are good for $5.50 in both directions: "Good for one trip Via Express Train and Bus to J. F. K. Airport or from Howard Beach to 57th Street."    In order to accomplish this matching two way fare rate, the base subway fare would have to be collected separately or not at all on the "from Howard Beach" direction (to Manhattan). And at no other time was the fare $5.50 to or from J.F.K. so these tickets must fall into the January 1, 1986 through January 1, 1990 usage period. Research remains ongoing and comments are welcome.    Most coincidentally, upon the delivery of both tickets to me on March 16, 2023 (purchased from different sellers on eBay); John Telesca, a fellow member of the Facebook group "New York's Railroads Subways & Trolleys Past & Present" made the following post in response to a comment I made: "I rode it twice and [each time] they collected fares differently. The first had a uniformed person collecting fares in the car, at the same time trying to change larger bills. On my last trip you paid the fare when you got off at Howard Beach, at a little podium on the airport side before boarding the airport bus. On the way back from the airport they let anyone board at the stops. I believe it was summer, 1989.    Since this is an anecdotal recollection, it needs to be confirmed via official documentation. But at the very least, we are now aware that a change in the method and time of payment for JFK Express passengers took place. As such; the verbiage on the tickets was modified to reflect this as well. Also note the wording on the bus portion of the ticket: "To Be Collected By Bus Operator" by the still attached stub on the ticket below left. This wording does not appear on earlier issues of the JFK Express Tickets.    Furthermore, upon acquiring the following two tickets; subtle differences are noticed between the two: note the M logo, and slight different font and size of the wording. Both are Globe Ticket, however, the one on right now carries "Globe Ticket and Label".
$5.50 JFK Express fare and Shuttle Bus (free) to JFK Airport paid to clerk at station $5.50 JFK Bus Loop and JFK Express to Manhattan paid to Bus Loop Operator Globe Ticket		$5.50 JFK Express fare and Shuttle Bus (free) to JFK Airport paid to on-board ticket clerk $5.50 JFK Bus Loop and JFK Express to Manhattan paid to Bus Loop Operator Globe Ticket and Label
January 1, 1990
not yet seen		not yet seen
$1.15 subway fare paid at token booth & $5.60 JFK Express fare and Shuttle Bus to JFK Airport paid to on board clerk.		$6.75  - Shuttle Bus and JFK Express  from JFK Airport
Also: the December 16, 1989 article in New York Times states the JFK Express fare was to rise to $6.35 and token. This would correspond to a "from airport" ticket fare of $7.50; none of which have been seen.
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Airport Loop "Express" Bus only - TO JFK  (for a passenger arriving at Howard Beach / JFK Airport Station via subway Line)		Airport Loop "Express" Bus & Local Subway Service FROM JFK (for a passenger at JFK Airport towards Howard Beach / JFK Airport Station via Express Bus and subway Line)
September 23, 1978
$1.00 - Shuttle Bus ONLY to JFK Airport Globe Ticket		$1.20 - Shuttle Bus and  Train ONLY from JFK Airport Globe Ticket
June 28, 1980
intentionally left blank
		$1.50 - Shuttle Bus and  Train ONLY from JFK Airport Globe Ticket
July 3, 1981
		intentionally left blank
.$1.50 - Express Bus ONLY to JFK Airport Globe Ticket
January 2, 1984
intentionally left blank
.January 1, 1986
$2.00 - Express Bus ONLY to JFK Airport Globe Ticket		$2.25 - Shuttle Bus and  Train ONLY from JFK Airport Globe Ticket

Unissued books of JFK Tickets in varying denominations are now appearing on the eBay market. 

Individual tickets: $7.00 to $10.00 for circulated and punch canceled tickets
Books; no more than $15.00 per book as these are unissued remainders.

JFK Express JFK Employee Tickets; are somewhat rarer: $15.00 - $20.00 for issued tickets.
Books; no more than $15.00 per book as these are unissued remainders.

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Sports Specials

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Football Subway Special at the Polo Grounds:

   The NYCTA operated N. Y. Titans Football Specials, which departed from the IND Parsons Boulevard Station in Queens at 6:40 pm, with one stop at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue and terminating at the 155th Street Station which serviced the Polo Grounds at 7:35 pm. 

   Tickets for the Football Subway special were sold at the Parsons Boulevard and the 42nd Street Stations for 50 cents. The ticket, when turned in with $1.25, allowed the passenger a discount on grandstand seating that was normally priced at $4.00 (a discount of $1.75).

   The first mention of this Football Special is published in the November 2, 1960 edition of the New York Times. The Titans would only play at the Polo Grounds located in northern Manhattan for three seasons, after which they were renamed the New York Jets, and took up residence in the newly built Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows - Corona Park in Queens.

October 1, 1961 - New York Titans vs. Boston Patriots (American Football League)
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October 15, 1961 - New York Titans vs. San Diego Chargers (American Football League)

Aqueduct Racetrack - Thoroughbred Horse Racing

   It should be noted that Aqueduct Special trains only operated when racing programs were being held at Aqueduct. 

   For those not familiar with thoroughbred racing, racing programs are not held year round at a single track, and alternated with Belmont Park. The programs at Aqueduct were usually slated for October through April, with the Belmont Park racing program from April through July and September through October. 

• 42nd Street & Port Authority Bus Terminal
• Hoyt / Schermerhorn Streets
• Aqueduct Racetrack.

"Extra Large Y Cutout" issued in 1966 at 75 cents as special fare token for trains to Aqueduct Race Track then repurposed for use for Express Buses late 1980's-1990's. 28mm / 1.10", brass, Y cutout Atwood-Coffee NY630AP uncommon; $15.00

issued April 1979 used as special fare for train to Aqueduct Race Track. 500,000 struck 23mm / .90", white metal, solid Atwood-Coffee NY630AX uncommon; $20.00

75 cent Cash Fare Ticket - Special Trains to Aqueduct Racetrack May 15, 1967 Globe Ticket
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"Special Aqueduct Special" Subway fare, and clubhouse admission and one free program ticket to Aqueduct Racetrack issued by the New York Racing Association valid to May 21, 1978 Globe Ticket	"Special Aqueduct Special" Subway fare, and clubhouse admission and one free program ticket to Aqueduct Racetrack issued by the New York Racing Association valid to May 21, 1978 Globe Ticket

Aqueduct Cash Fare Tickets rarely encountered; $30.00 - 40.00 in good condition.
Special Aqueduct Special rarely encountered; $30.00 - 40.00 in good condition.

1974 - New York City Transit Authority Transit Museum archives

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   Not much is known about this item; and frankly it was not known to exist until the following advertising sign appeared on eBay.

   From the description, a $1.55 fare purchased a round trip ticket (77.5 cents each way) for a one station-stop express train departing 42nd Street & Eighth Avenue IND at 10:30 AM and Hoyt-Schermerhorn at 10:42 AM to Playland Station (Beach 98th Street) in the Rockaway, Queens. 

   When the ticket was was presented at the admission booth of Playland with an additional $1.50; 

• Adults received tickets for 4 major rides and 2 tickets for Currie's Basketball Game;
• Children received tickets for 4 kiddie rides and 2 tickets for Curries Roll Down Game, 1 Carousel Ride and 1 Walk-thru attraction).

Nostalgia Special

Child Fare	.    .	Adult Fare
1976
		intentionally left blank
July 17, 1976 - issued
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		intentionally left blank
unissued -  undated - Child Fare
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.intentionally left blank
		July 18, 1976 - Adult Fare
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intentionally left blank
		July 25, 1976 - Adult Fare 4 7/8" x 2 15/16" these seem cut on a table top cutter probably should have been 5x3
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intentionally left blank
		August 8, 1976 - Adult Fare
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intentionally left blank
		August 8, 1976 - Adult Fare and unissued August 1976 5" x 3 3/16"
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		intentionally left blank
unissued August 1976 - Child Fare
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intentionally left blank
		December 19, 1976 - Adult Fare
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1977
intentionally left blank
		September 3, 1977 - Adult Fare
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1978
intentionally left blank
		July 23, 1978 - Adult Fare (green)
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September 2, 1978 - Child Fare (salmon)		September 2, 1978 - Adult Fare (yellow)
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intentionally left blank
		November 11, 1978 - Adult Fare (pink)
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Undated / Unissued
		intentionally left blank
undated - Child Fare (blue)
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undated - Child Fare (yellow)		undated - Adult Fare (pink)
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undated - Child Fare (pink)		undated - Adult Fare (white)
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1979
June 10, 1979 - with Special Connecting Bus 6 3/16" x 3" all adult and child's tickets for Nostalgia Special above are common; $3.00 to $5.00 each.
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Nostalgia Special Ticket - Complimentary uncommon, but sporadically encountered - $15.00 to $20.00.

June 28, 1980 Fare for the Nostalgia Train rose 50 cents from $3.00 to $3.50 for adults and 25 cents for under 17: $1.50 to $1.75.

3 3/16" x 4 1/4"

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   Block tickets are issued for unplanned temporary interruptions of service due to fire, flood, derailment, law enforcement activity, signal problems, or power outages. 

   This ticket allows a passenger of whom has already paid their fare, to alight from a subway train, exit the paid portion of the system and reenter at another location to take an alternative subway line or bus instead, without having to pay a second fare.

   These tickets are good for 48 hours but are seldom marked with a date or time. The meaning of the N & B letter codes is currently unknown - if you know please send me an email .

Brooklyn Manhattan Transit System
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First Unification - 1940-1953
sans-serif "N" December 1940 BTT-N 11 Arcus Simplex Brown 4 3/8" x 2-1/16"	sans-serif "R" December 1940 BTT-R 34 Arcus Simplex Brown 43/8" x 2" inches high.
The reason of the letter codes 'N' and 'R' remain unknown at this time. From the printers information reflect they were two separate issues, and not a reprint of of a single issue. A fleeting thought was perhaps the letter denoted subway line of usage, but route letters were in use at time of this issue (December 1940), and furthermore a single change booth could serve different lines.Nor does it denote rapid or surface methods as all are listed on both tickets.
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"A" prefix - serif B BTT - B42 - March 1950 (BT) unknown printer	serif 'N' 4 5/8" x 2" w/ 1/2" selvage Globe Ticket
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Second Unification; 1953 to 1962 (old Transit logo)
serif "B" prefix ca. 1953 - 1962? International Ticket - serif B 4 3/4" by 2", including selvage	sans-serif "E" prefix ca. 1953 - 1962? Elliott Ticket 58-69-0834
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	intentionally left blank
sans-serif "G" prefix ca. 1953 - 1962? Elliott Ticket - sans-serif G 4 3/4" by 2", including selvage
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	intentionally left blank
H prefix - buff yellow stripe ca. 1953 - 1962? Globe Ticket -  5 13/16" with selvage by, and 2"
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In regard to the next group of issues, it has not yet been determined if the prefix letter played a part in relation to the color of the issue; or what (if anything); the color of the paper denoted.
C prefix (pink) ca. 1970's - 1980's? Globe Ticket  3 13/16" x 2"	G prefix (green) ca. 1970's - 1980's? Globe Ticket 3 3/4" x 2"
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L prefix (yellow) ca. 1970's - 1980's? Globe Ticket 3 13/16" x 2"	N prefix (blue) ca. 1970's - 1980's? Globe Ticket.. 3 13/16" x 2"
. v
Second Unification; 1994 to present ( logo)
1994 - 2006 This Block Ticket lists the private bus companies: Command Bus, Green Bus Lines, Jamaica Buses, Queens Surface and Triboro Coach
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2006 and later: this Block Ticket does not list the private bus companies which have been absorbed in the NYCTA. s/n prefix A & C known 7 1/4" long and 2"

Block Tickets; uncommon but occasionally offered for sale;
(on pulp paper); rare - $10.00 to $12.50.

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General Order Transfers

Daily General Order

Monthly General Order

   In contrast to Block Tickets in the above section of this page, of which are issued for unplanned temporary interruptions of service and are only valid for 48 hours after punched; General Order Transfers are issued for planned prolonged outages or rerouting due to construction or reconstruction.

   As such, G. O. Tickets are issued monthly, and are valid until the end of that month; as all dates seen thus far are for the last day that month.

   1990's through 2010(?): solid beige, pink, green paper;
   2010's: white paper with magenta, lavender, yellow stripes (possibly other colors as well)
all appear to have unprinted backs.

 

June 30, 1992	September 30, 1992	March 31, 1993	March 31, 1996 note that despite the MTA logo being changed in 1994, this ticket still bears the M logo above but the new  logo below.	July 31, 1998	September 30, 1999
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September 30, 2003	December 31, 2003	December 31, 2004	December 31, 2005	December 31, 2007	December 31, 2008
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	intentionally left blank	intentionally left blank	intentionally left blank	intentionally left blank	intentionally left blank
December 31, 2010
intentionally left blank					intentionally left blank
	December 31, 2018	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2019

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Culture Bus Loops

Culture Bus I - Midtown Manhattan & Harlem

   The Culture Bus Loops I and II operated from May 26, 1973 through September 3, 1984 and on weekends and holidays only. The Culture Bus Loop III operated briefly from August 3, 1974 through September 2, 1974, and a Staten Island Culture Bus Loop operated sometime between 1974 through 1977.

   The Culture Bus Loops allowed a passenger to disembark and visit museums and places of interest along the route, then reboard a later bus to continue their journey to their next destination pretty much door to door. This allowed passengers greater flexibility than having to walk several blocks to a subway station, make a transfer to adjoining line, et al; then walk back to their next destination.. 

   The following two sided five panel brochure, explains in detail how and when the Culture Bus Loop I and Culture Bus Loop II operated, their routes and the places of interest on each route. 

   As an added bonus, it also explains the other discounted special services such as the Sunday Half Fare, Add-A-Ride, Shoppers Special, and Nightcoach programs (as shown on this particular page and on others in this website); so without a doubt this brochure was worthy of display.

	above: back cover	above: front cover
5 panels; 20" x 9 1/8"; undated (but mention of 50 cent fare usage has this brochure fall into the September 2, 1975 - June 27, 1980 date range).

   The Culture Bus Loop I ran in Manhattan, and for the price of $1.00 a Culture Bus ticket was issued to the passenger. This Culture Bus gave the passenger access to dozens of New York City's Museums and Tourist Attractions as listed in the above brochure.

March 1974 - MDA one dollar exact change 5" x 3 1/8"
March 1982 - MEA "Culture Bus Loop I" $2.50 5" x 3"

    Culture Bus tickets were also sold at subway token booths located at: Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and Columbus Circle stations during the hours of operation of the Culture Bus. 

   We know on June 28, 1980 the price of a Culture Bus ticket rose from $1.25 to $1.75.

Culture Bus II - Brooklyn & Midtown Manhattan

    There was also a Culture Bus that operated in Brooklyn. This was known as "Culture Bus II" and ran the route of the B88:

March 1974 - MDD One Dollar Exact Change .
April 1974 - ADA One Dollar Exact Change . .
April 1974 - OCB One Dollar Exact Change . .
March 1975 - MEA One Dollar Exact Change all: 5" x 3 1/8" Culture Bus & Culture Bus II tickets; $15.00 to $20.00 in good condition. Due to the short existence of the Culture Bus III, tickets are worth substantially more: $25.00 - 35.00

   The fares on Culture Buses I and II and Staten Island Culture Bus rose from $1.00 to $1.25 on September 1, 1975. On June 28, 1980 the price of a Culture Bus ticket rose from $1.25 to $1.75.

Culture Bus III - Harlem, Manhattan & Bronx

   There was a third culture bus route, the Culture Bus III.

   The Culture Bus III route was located in north Manhattan and the Bronx. However, this route was extremely short lived, and only operated from August 3, 1974 (some sources erroneously cite Memorial Day weekend - but the NY Times article at right states otherwise) through September 2, 1974 - Labor Day; at which time this special route was discontinued, and never reinstated. 

   This loop route was designated the Bx56.

   To date, tickets for this route remain undocumented.

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Staten Island Culture Bus

   The Staten Island Culture Bus route started at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, Ramp F in St. George, and stopped at the Staten Island Museum, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Jacques Marchais Center for Tibetian Art, and Richmondtown Restoration and back to the Ferry Terminal, where one could visit the Staten Island Ferry Maritime Museum at either the beginning or end of the bus loop. 

   Fare was $1.25, operating on Saturdays and Sundays, Summer and Fall; however the year is not noted. Abraham Beame is listed as Mayor on the pamphlet, and his single term administration was January 1, 1974 through December 31, 1977 which helps date the pamphlet to some degree.

   As with the Bronx Culture Bus III, tickets remain undocumented. 

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Shoppers Buses

   In an attempt to drum up business during the midday, when bus occupancy is at its least, the NYCTA advertised for and ran "Shoppers Buses." This was a bus that ran a fixed route throughout the Manhattan Shopping District. With the purchase of a ticket, the passenger could get on or off the bus on that route however many times they chose, to do their shopping in an endless number of stores.

   Shoppers Buses rose from 75 cents to $1.00 on September 1, 1975

5 1/16" x 3 1/8" Shoppers Special Tickets (on cardstock); $15.00 to $20.00 in good condition.

Shoppers Special Tickets (on pulp paper); $8.00 to $10.00 in good condition.
Complete books are known. 

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A Night On The Town

A Night on the Town Bus Ticket (on cardstock); $12.00 to $15.00 in good condition. A Night on the Town Bus Ticket (on pulp paper); $8.00 to $10.00 in good condition.

2 1/16" x 5 5/8" with 5/8" selvage, pulp paper
Globe Ticket
uncommon; complete book, $10

Midtown Shoppers or Night on the Town Exchange Coupon
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Culture Bus I or Culture Bus II Exchange Coupon
Shoppers Bus / A Night on the Town Bus Ticket and Culture Bus Exchange Coupons (on pulp paper); National Ticket rare - $25.00 to $30.00. . .

Night Coach

Nightcoach Ticket
Globe Ticket
(on pulp paper); rare - $20.00 to $25.00.

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New York City Youth Board - Free Transit Pass for Group
Free Transportation Pass for Youth Board / Boy Scouts of America - April 13, 1972 extremely rare; $50.00 8 5/8" x 5"
. .
Op Sail '76 Bicentennial Special Transit Pass - July 4 to July 11, 1976
3 3/4" x 2 9/16" extremely rare; $50.00
. .
Special Transit Pass - Harbor Festival 1979
4 7/16" x 2 15/16" extremely rare; $50.00
. .
Visitors Pass - 1979
4 7/16" x 2 15/16" extremely rare; $50.00

Page 1: Fare Tickets & Employee Passes	Page 7: Half Fare Tickets - Sundays / Weekends
Page 2: Tokens	Page 8: Half Fare Tickets - Senior Citizens & Handicapped
Page 3: Continuing Ride Tickets & Transfers - Rapid Transit	Page 9: School / Student / Pupil Reduced Fare & Free Passes
Page 4: Continuing Ride Tickets & Transfers - Surface; Streetcar Lines	Page 10: Special Issue Tickets
Page 5: Continuing Ride Tickets & Transfers - Surface; Bus Routes	Page 11: Staten Island Rapid Transit
Page 6: Continuing Ride Tickets; Surface; Add-A-Ride	Page 12: Hudson and Manhattan & Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH)