There’s a great analysis Metrocard prices at World New York today. For the past week or so I’ve found myself half-heartedly doing those same calculations in my head every time I swipe at Union Square and am reminded of the new fare increase that takes effect in a couple of weeks. At $63, I usually go for the unlimited 30-day Metrocard because the last time I figured it out I was saving (if only a little) over what I pay on $15 Metrocards. I hadn’t yet decided whether that would continue to be true when $15/11-ride cards are eliminated, replaced with $20/12-ride cards, and monthly unlimited cards go up to $70. It’s only an issue because all of my classes are (this semester) in four days of the week rather than five - but I’m usually in the city at least one of those other three days. According to that chart, it’s just barely worth it to get an unlimited.

Of course, none of that really applies until sometime in June. A $63 monthly unlimited purchased before 4 May (when the increase takes effect) will work from whenever first used until 12 June, meaning there’s a month there where you can get away with paying the old fare for just a little bit longer. It’s only $7, but when you’re a college student you take what you can get.