Q: With the new fares that went into effect at the end of February and all the complaints about the costs of traveling on New York subways and buses, I would be interested in seeing how rates here compare with those in other American cities.

A: The new fare prices put into place February 27 affect only unlimited-ride MetroCards and express bus rides. The price of a seven-day card jumped to $24 from $21 and a 30-day card now costs $76, up from $70. Express bus fares are $5 instead of $4, and seven-day express bus passes increased to $41 from $33. The one-way fare remains $2.

In Boston, a single subway fare generally costs $1.25, but can vary depending on the line. The monthly passes in that city, which allow customers unlimited use of subways and buses, just like a MetroCard, cost $71. They are called combo passes.

On the Metro in Washington, D.C., fares fluctuate depending on the numbers of zones a rider travels and whether travel is during peak or offpeak times. They can be as low as $1.35 or as high as $3.90. The longer, more expensive rides are generally far into the suburbs and are almost tantamount to taking Long Island Rail Road or Metro North in our area. Monthly passes are not available, but seven-day passes run $32.50, or $130 for four – a month’s worth. In addition to the unlimited seven-day pass, there is a “short trip” seven-day pass, which covers all rides costing $2.20 or less. It runs $22 and does not cover bus trips.

The base fare for a subway ride in Chicago is $1.75; transfers cost 25 cents. A 30-day pass, which like a MetroCard allows for unlimited bus and subway use, costs $75. A weekly pass that works the same way is $30. The shape of the pass is identical to that of a MetroCard, which may help in case you start to feel homesick while visiting the Windy City.

In San Francisco and Oakland, Bay Area Rapid Transit riders can expect to pay anywhere from $1.25 to $7.45. Distance, in miles, determines the price of a ride. Unlimited passes for any duration are no longer available, though customers can purchase cards with certain amounts and get a small discount. A card with $64 on it costs $60, a 6.25% discount, boasts the Web site that offers the tickets.

Why is it that I can use my MetroCard at some PATH stations and not at others? Which stations take both MetroCards and QuickCards?

All PATH stations located in the city allow riders to use both MetroCards and PATH’s card, which is called a QuickCard. In New Jersey, riders can use either a MetroCard or a QuickCard at the Exchange Place, Hoboken, and Harrison stations. All other New Jersey stations accept only QuickCards. According to documents obtained from the Port Authority, all New Jersey PATH stations should accept both forms of payment by April.