This is another one of those ‘great news!’ but I really don’t know details, and neither does anyone else working for the MTA. At least not anyone I asked. To purchase a ride-the-bus-card, one usually goes underground to the Metrocard vending machines . Once you locate them, and understand that they are always at the entrance to the subway, it’s a no brainer to get a ride-the-bus-card. But if you’re a tourist and you see a bus you want to take what then? At one time you purchased tokens; now the same Metrocard is used for bus and subway. But most people above ground don’t know to go underground to buy an above ground card. But a good thing is happening. I just can’t tell you how often as I have only seen it twice. A MetroCard vending machine, at the bus stop! It is so unexpected and so infrequent you might overlook it. But when you see it and figure out what it is, it is a lifesaver. Because bus drivers do not sell tickets, make change or conduct any business transactions. They do all the other things you have read about, but you getting on with fare is all up to you. So keep a look out on your next trip here, there very possibly is a ticket vending machine at the very bus stop at which you are waiting!