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Jay Lloyd's Getaway: Subway Tips for Young and Old

By Jay Lloyd

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Hitting your "golden years" can pay off in discounts during big-city getaways.

Let's sort out the bargains and dish it up with some subway savvy for riders of any age.

"The Bronx is up, the Battery is down, the people ride in a hole in the ground."  And if you're over 65, you get to ride for a bargain fare.

As long as you know into which hole to descend into.  More on that in a moment.

Most major cities offer senior transportation discounts. Hometown Philadelphia is, hands down, the best: free and easy. Show a Medicare card and you're on your way.

septa subway train artsy _jlloyd
(A Septa subway train pulls in. Credit: Jay Lloyd)

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Other cities, including New York and Washington, offer half-price fares to get around, but there are special cards to get and forms to fill out.  So, plan ahead.  Before a visit, check the local transit web site, then follow the instructions to get your ID or metro card, whichever is needed.

Now all you have to do is figure out which line to take.  The best guide I've found is a smartphone app called "Embark."  Separate editions cover each of the major city transit systems.  (Sorry, Baltimore fans -- that one's not up yet.)

Embark not only gives you clear instructions but time schedules as well. With it, you can get around like a local!  More info at letsembark.com.

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