Back in the days when I was still in the Air Force reserves, NYC used to allow service members to ride the train for free. I never knew the exact law or details behind it, but most of the time the clerks would wave me through without any issue.
When I was in uniform, I would walk past the clerk, give a wave, and they would buzz me in through the special entry spot. Other times they would point me to the gate. When I was in civilian clothes, I would show my military ID and they would let me through just the same.
Every once in a while, a clerk would mention that the policy had changed, but more often than not they still let me in. Like I said, I was never entirely sure if this was an official law, a formal policy, or simply a courtesy extended to service members. Since they directed me to use my military ID, I went along with it.
It may not be the biggest perk in the world, but if serving the country earns you a free train ride every now and then, it feels like a small but appreciated gesture of support.
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