Explore New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley by Taking Subways, Buses, LIRR and Metro-North
MTAaway.com Gives MTA Customers Inspiration for Car-Free Daytrips
New MTA AWAY Program Streamlines Destination Deals and Promotional Opportunities for Businesses, Cultural Organizations, and Travel and Tourism Partners
Visit MTAaway.com Here
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the formal launch of MTA AWAY as a way to help New Yorkers leave the car, choose mass transit, and experience all the events and destinations the New York region has to offer. With so much to see and do in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, customers from every stretch of the MTA’s footprint can now enjoy special savings on daytrip destinations, outdoor activities and events, all easily accessible by taking mass transit.
MTA AWAY replaces the former Deals and Getaways programs run by each agency. Now, customers can learn about current deals and destinations regardless of the agency, through robust digital signage appearing in stations and onboard trains and buses, and on a brand new dedicated website—MTAaway.com. The site offers original content and showcases partnerships with travel and tourism organizations including Hudson Valley Happenings, Discover Long Island, NYC & Company and TDF/TKTS. These partners provide seasonal content which includes itineraries, dining and activity guides, event suggestions and more. MTAaway.com features destination details and the easiest way to get to them, whether it be taking the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, subways or buses.
Customers using the system will notice MTA AWAY digital advertisements playing in stations. The ads feature QR codes that link to deal and daytrip details.
“Today’s launch puts all the events and destinations New York has to offer in one place. Planning for a daytrip has never been easier,” said Sarah Meyer, MTA Chief Customer Officer. “Just go to MTAaway.com and you can find places to go and know how to get there. You don’t need to own or rent a car to get to New York’s favorite destinations! Riding our buses and trains are good for the planet and even better for your wallet.”
“The Long Island Rail Road is a critical asset to Long Island residents and visitors alike and Discover Long Island is pleased to provide Long Island destination information in the new MTA AWAY program," said Discover Long Island President & CEO, Kristen Reynolds. "With so many of our downtowns and iconic attractions located on or near LIRR train stops, this new consumer program provides information and access that encourages year-round travel to Long Island with the ease and convenience of public transit."
“We are pleased to support the newly launched MTA AWAY program, which will inspire regional travel to New York City and add value to the visitor experience through a multitude of offers,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO, NYC & Company.
To celebrate the launch of MTAaway.com, MTA and amNY partnered for the “Fun Fall Giveaway”. The sweepstakes, which starts today and runs through Oct. 21, gives New Yorkers a chance to win admission tickets to top attractions and events, 7-day MetroCards, an overnight Long Island escape and much more. Enter via MTAaway.com. See full contest details here. Customers who pick up a hard copy of amNY Metro also will find the “Car-Free Guide”, a special section that has details on destinations offered through the MTA AWAY program.
MTA AWAY also makes it easier for prospective business partners to do business with the Authority. By creating an umbrella for all agency promotions, prospective promotional partners can develop co-branded MTA AWAY campaigns to reach the millions of riders who use the system every day, from subway and bus customers in New York City to railroad customers on Long Island, and in the Hudson Valley and Connecticut.
The first deal under the MTA AWAY program was with The Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. Van Gogh offered discounts to MTA customers and also sponsored the Authority’s 11th Mask Force, providing Van Gogh-branded t-shirts for volunteers---who give free masks to MTA customers---and merchandise. A sampling of current deals offered through MTA AWAY include discounts on admission to Museum of Modern Art, Storm King Art Center, and the New York Botanical Garden. MTA’s current discount rail and admission packages include: Escorted Long Island Wine Tours, Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, the Bronx Zoo and the Hudson River Museum.
Railroad customers can save even more on weekend trips during the fall by taking advantage of Autumn Weekends. Under the Autumn Weekends program, LIRR and Metro-North honor all monthly tickets for travel on weekends to and from any LIRR and Metro-North stations, regardless of the stations printed on the ticket. Additionally, monthly ticketholders traveling on those weekend days will be able to bring up to four additional travelers for only $1.00 per person each way. Please note, however, that LIRR tickets are only valid for travel on LIRR, and Metro-North tickets are only valid for travel on Metro-North.