Is GoQrides free to use?

Yes! GoQrides offers a generous free tier with essential features including real-time bus tracking, basic trip planning, service alerts, and maps. You can use the app without ever paying a cent.

What does Premium membership cost and what do I get?

Premium membership costs just $4.99/month and unlocks advanced features:

• ★Unlimited saved routes and favorites
• ★Priority AI trip planning with faster responses
• ★Advanced filters for adventure planning
• ★Completely ad-free experience
• ★Early access to new features before general release
• ★Exclusive partner discounts (unlocks when we reach 50,000 users)

Can I try Premium before committing?

We offer a 7-day free trial for new Premium members. Cancel anytime during the trial period and you won't be charged. After the trial, it's just $4.99/month with no long-term commitment.

What is Adventure Planning?

Adventure Planning helps you discover amazing destinations in and around NYC - all accessible by transit. Find hiking trails, beaches, weekend getaways, food neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and hidden gems, with direct transit directions to each location.

Do I need Premium to use Adventure Planning?

Basic adventure browsing is free for all users. Premium members get access to advanced filters, personalized recommendations, unlimited saved adventures, and priority placement for newly added destinations.

What is OMNY?

OMNY (One Metro New York) is the MTA's contactless fare payment system. It allows you to pay your subway and bus fare by tapping your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, or wearable device at OMNY readers instead of swiping a MetroCard.

How does OMNY work with GoQrides?

GoQrides provides seamless integration with the OMNY system (OAW - OMNY Account Wallet) to help you manage your transit payments:

• •Quick access to OMNY payment portal directly from our app
• •Track your fare payments and weekly caps in one place
• •Receive notifications about your payment status
• •Get real-time updates on fare changes and promotions

What payment methods does OMNY accept?

OMNY accepts the following contactless payment methods:

• •Contactless credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
• •Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
• •Wearable devices (Smartwatches, fitness trackers)
• •OMNY card (available for purchase)

How much does it cost to use OMNY?

The standard fare is $3.00 per ride (increased from $2.90 on January 4, 2026). OMNY automatically tracks your rides and after 12 paid trips in a 7-day period, additional rides within that week are free (fare capping). This ensures you never pay more than the weekly MetroCard cost.

How does GoQrides work with OMNY?

GoQrides is an independent platform that supports riders by helping them navigate NYC transit, manage OMNY payments, and discover real-time updates with AI-powered tools:

• •Link your existing OMNY account for easy balance management
• •Track your OMNY balance and transaction history in one place
• •Reload your OMNY account directly through our platform
• •Get real-time notifications about fare changes and weekly cap status
• •Access real-time bus tracking and trip planning alongside your payment info

How secure are my OMNY credentials?

Your security is our top priority. When you link your OMNY account:

• 🔒All credentials are encrypted with bank-level AES-256 encryption
• 🔒Passwords are never stored in plain text
• 🔒Only authorized staff can access encrypted credentials for balance verification
• 🔒All access is logged and monitored for security audits
• 🔒You can revoke access and delete your credentials at any time

How does manual OMNY balance checking work?

Currently, GoQrides uses a manual verification process to update your OMNY balance:

• 1.You link your OMNY account credentials (encrypted and secure)
• 2.Our team regularly logs into OMNY.info to check your balance
• 3.Balance is updated in GoQrides admin panel
• 4.You see the updated balance in your GoQrides wallet

This process ensures accuracy while we work on automated integration. Balances are typically updated 1-2 times daily. As we grow, we'll introduce real-time automated syncing.

What data does GoQrides collect?

We only collect data necessary to provide our services: your email, transit preferences, saved routes, and optionally your OMNY credentials (encrypted). We never sell your data to third parties. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

Real-Time Bus Tracking

See exactly where your bus is in real-time on an interactive map. Get accurate arrival predictions, receive alerts for delays, and plan your trips with confidence. Our live tracking uses GPS data to show you the precise location of buses on your route.

Trip Planner

Our intelligent trip planner helps you find the fastest route to your destination. Compare multiple routes, see transfer points, get step-by-step directions, and receive real-time updates if your route is affected by delays or incidents.

AI Assistant

Our AI-powered assistant helps you navigate NYC transit with ease:

• •Ask questions in natural language about routes and schedules
• •Get recommendations for the best travel times
• •Find points of interest near bus stops
• •Receive personalized travel tips based on your usage

Incident Reporting

Stay informed and help your fellow riders by reporting and viewing real-time service incidents. Report delays, crowding, accessibility issues, or safety concerns. View community-reported incidents to plan your trip better.

Multi-Language Support

GoQrides supports multiple languages to serve NYC's diverse population. Switch between English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, and more. The entire app interface, including AI assistant responses, adapts to your preferred language.

GQR-Help Desk

Premium members get access to our dedicated help desk for personalized support:

• •Submit complaints and track their resolution status
• •Report operator issues with detailed incident tracking
• •Share recommendations to improve transit services
• •Priority response to urgent transit concerns

Can I report complaints about bus or train operators?

Yes! GoQrides has a comprehensive operator feedback system where you can report concerns or complaints about:

• •Bus operators: Unprofessional behavior, safety violations, reckless driving, or service issues
• •Train operators: Safety concerns, service problems, or conduct issues
• •Transit police officers: Misconduct, unprofessional behavior, or policy concerns

Navigate to the Incidents section and select the appropriate complaint category. Include details like operator badge number, vehicle number, date, time, location, and a description of the incident. You can report anonymously if preferred.

Can I recognize exceptional service by operators?

We encourage riders to recognize outstanding service. You can submit praise for:

• ⭐Bus operators: Helpful attitude, safe driving, going above and beyond for passengers
• ⭐Train operators: Excellent announcements, smooth operation, professional service
• ⭐Transit police: Helpful assistance, ensuring rider safety, professional conduct

Select the appropriate praise category in the Incidents section, provide details about the positive experience, and help us recognize the transit workers who make NYC transit great!

What happens after I submit operator feedback?

When you submit operator feedback (complaint or praise):

• 1.Your report is reviewed by GoQrides administrators for authenticity and appropriate content
• 2.Valid reports are aggregated and may be shared with transit authorities
• 3.Patterns of complaints or praise help identify training needs or exemplary employees
• 4.You can track the status of your report in your incident history

What is the +B button in Trip Planner?

The +B button is a quick signup feature for business owners who want to get their restaurant, bar, hotel, or entertainment venue featured to transit riders. When you click it:

• •Business owners can instantly submit their listing information
• •Choose from affordable plans starting at just $29/month
• •Get featured placement with photos, contact info, and directions
• •Reach thousands of NYC transit riders searching for nearby businesses

Featured businesses appear first in search results with full details, while non-featured listings show limited information. It's 80% cheaper than Yelp ($150+/month) and guarantees your business is seen by our growing user base.

How much does it cost to drive with GoQrides?

GoQrides charges a flat monthly fee instead of per-ride commissions:

• •Monthly Plan: $4.99/month (plus tax) - No per-ride fees, keep 100% of fares
• •Annual Plan: $49.99/year (plus tax) - Save 17% and get priority support

Unlike Uber or Lyft (25-30% commission per ride), you pay one low fee and keep all your earnings. If you do just 2 rides per day, you save hundreds of dollars monthly compared to traditional platforms.

What are the requirements to become a TLC driver?

To drive with GoQrides, you must have:

• ✓Valid NYC TLC (Taxi & Limousine Commission) license (not expired)
• ✓Valid driver's license (DMV) from any state
• ✓TLC-licensed vehicle with current registration
• ✓Active vehicle insurance that meets TLC requirements
• ✓Clean driving record with no major violations

How does GoQrides' pricing compare to other platforms?

GoQrides saves you significant money compared to traditional ride-sharing:

The more you drive, the more you save. Break even after just 2 rides!

How do riders find me on GoQrides?

Riders can search for drivers by vehicle type (sedan, SUV, luxury, van, accessible), ratings, location, and availability. Your profile displays your vehicle information, ratings, and bio. Riders choose you directly, helping you build a loyal customer base and get repeat business.

Can I set my own schedule and rates?

Yes! You have complete flexibility. Set your own working hours through the driver dashboard, mark yourself available/unavailable, and accept or decline ride requests based on your preferences. You set your own rates and have full control over your business.

How accurate are the real-time bus arrival predictions?

Our real-time predictions use GPS data from MTA buses to provide highly accurate ETAs. Predictions are updated every 30 seconds and account for current traffic conditions, delays, and route changes. While we strive for accuracy, unexpected incidents may affect arrival times.

Can I track multiple bus routes at once?

Yes! Premium members can save unlimited favorite routes and view them all at once on the live map. Free users can save up to 3 routes. The live map allows you to toggle between routes and see all buses operating in real-time across NYC.

Does the live map show subway trains too?

Currently, the live map focuses on MTA bus tracking with real-time GPS locations. Subway train tracking is in development and will be added in a future update. You can still access subway schedules and service alerts through the app.

How do I save my favorite routes for quick access?

To save favorite routes:

• 1.Search for a route in Bus Schedules or view it on the Live Map
• 2.Click the star icon next to the route name
• 3.Access saved routes from your Dashboard for quick viewing

Free users can save 3 routes, Premium members get unlimited saves.