Took the M14 SBS from LES over to Chelsea Market yesterday and I am confused. I waited at the stop, tapped my phone at the little kiosk before boarding, and got a green check. But when the bus pulled up, like half the people just walked on through the back doors without tapping anything at all. I thought maybe they had paper receipts already? Or maybe they just don't care?

Also the rear door has an OMNY reader, but nobody was using it. Do I need to tap twice—once at the kiosk and once at the back door? I felt like a total tourist holding up my phone at the door.

Lol nah, you don't tap twice. The sidewalk kiosk is the farebox for SBS routes like that. You tap once before you get on, and the rear door readers are basically for people who missed the kiosk or ran from the curb. If it says GO, you're paid. Paper receipt only prints if you pay cash/coins at the machine. Unlimited MetroCard? Still tap the kiosk. People who walk on without doing anything are just rolling the dice. Inspectors do show up, especially around 14th and Union Square. I wouldn't make it a habit.

Yes!! Like EastHarlem_E said, it's proof of payment and the M14 is one of those routes where you do not dip or show anything when you board a regular bus. If you used OMNY, your phone or card is your proof. But here's the thing: the rear door readers on the newer buses are actually sometimes more reliable than the kiosk because they are closer to the newer wiring! I've had a sidewalk kiosk say 'TAP AGAIN' three times on a rainy day, then the back door reader accepted my watch instantly.

Have you tried a physical OMNY card instead of your phone? I swear the card reads faster on the rear reader. Also if you pay cash, hold onto that little receipt like it's a winning lotto ticket, because an inspector can pop on at 1st Avenue and write a summons. Don't just shove it in your bag and forget.

Thanks, EastHarlem_E and DumboSunset, that makes way more sense. I saw people breeze on and assumed I was the one doing it wrong, but maybe they were just skipping the fare. I did use my phone at the kiosk, no receipt printed, so I think that means I'm good.

Do they usually check mid-route, or can they wait at the next stop? I have a tendency to zone out with headphones on. Also if I already tapped for the subway and then get on the M14, will the inspector know I have a transfer, or do I need to show my phone history?

They can board anywhere along the line, usually in pairs. They'll scan your phone or card with a handheld reader, so your transfer is already in the system—no need to explain. Just don't have your earbuds at full blast when they step on, because they do the 'fare check' announcement and a lot of people get caught looking clueless. The M14 is not that deep once you ride it twice.