Rahul Somvanshi
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced a significant achievement in its transition to contactless payment: more than 55 percent of Reduced-Fare customers are now using the OMNY tap-and-go payment system.
This milestone comes after the MTA mailed over 1.3 million OMNY cards to existing Reduced-Fare MetroCard customers by the end of January 2025. The agency is now encouraging remaining customers to make the switch from the traditional MetroCard system.
“Reduced-Fare customers have shown great interest to move over to the tap-and-go payment method and today’s milestone proves that,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “Every day, more riders are experiencing for themselves the convenience and ease OMNY brings to their travel experience.”
Benefits Beyond the Tap
OMNY offers several advantages over the MetroCard system. One key feature is fare capping, which ensures riders don’t pay more than necessary for daily or weekly travel. After paying for 12 rides within seven days, the rest of the trips during that period are free.
The system also simplifies transfers between buses and subways, eliminating the need to swipe cards multiple times.
“We are thrilled to see more and more Reduced-Fare customers accessing all the benefits of OMNY,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “From tap-and-go to fare capping, OMNY gives older adults and customers with disabilities everything MetroCard did and more in a much more simplified way.”
Making the Transition
To help remaining MetroCard users make the switch, the MTA has scheduled a public webinar for Tuesday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m. During this session, representatives will explain how to transition from MetroCard to OMNY, including tips on spending down MetroCard balances and utilizing the new benefits.
Currently, Reduced-Fare OMNY cards are accepted on MTA buses, subways, Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, and Hudson Rail Link. However, customers who use Bee-Line or NICE buses should keep their Reduced-Fare MetroCard until OMNY becomes available on these services.
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Getting Started with OMNY
While optional, registering an OMNY card online provides several benefits. Users can create an account at OMNY.info to:
- Check card balances anytime
- Reload cards manually or set up automatic refills
- Track progress toward earning free rides
- Protect balances by suspending lost or stolen cards
For those who prefer using cash, OMNY vending machines throughout the subway system and participating retail locations allow for balance reloads.
In-Person Assistance Available
If Reduced-Fare MetroCard holders didn’t receive their OMNY card, they can visit any of the 15 Customer Service Center locations at select subway stations, Mobile Van locations, or at 3 Stone St. in Lower Manhattan.
For adults 65 or older who have never had a Reduced-Fare account, applying and receiving a Reduced-Fare OMNY card can be done on the same day at these Customer Service Centers with just a valid photo ID.
People with qualifying disabilities can also apply but will need to provide additional information. The complete application checklist is available at the MTA website.
“More than half of our Reduced-Fare customers agree: tap-and-go is the way to go for a smooth, seamless ride on the subway or the bus,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “With updates like this tap-and-pay technology, we are simplifying commutes and encouraging the use of mass transit for everyone – especially the over one million New Yorkers who benefit from reduced fares.”
For more information about the Reduced-Fare Program, customers can call 511 or visit the MTA website.
FAQ:
What is OMNY and how does it differ from MetroCard? +
OMNY is the MTA’s new contactless tap-and-go payment system that replaces the swipe-based MetroCard. It offers benefits like fare capping (pay for 12 rides in 7 days and ride free afterward), easier transfers, and the ability to manage your account online. Unlike MetroCard, OMNY uses tap technology that works with the card itself or mobile payment options.
Do I need to get an OMNY card now if I have a Reduced-Fare MetroCard? +
While you don’t need to switch immediately, the MTA is encouraging all Reduced-Fare customers to transition to OMNY. If you use MTA buses, subways, Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, or Hudson Rail Link, you can use OMNY now. However, if you use Bee-Line or NICE buses, you should keep your MetroCard until OMNY becomes available on those services.
How do I set up and add money to my Reduced-Fare OMNY card? +
You can register your card at OMNY.info by creating an account, adding your OMNY card to your wallet, and then adding value or setting up automatic refills. You can also add money at OMNY vending machines throughout subway stations, participating retail locations, or at Mobile Sales Van locations (note that cash is not accepted at mobile locations).
What if I never received my Reduced-Fare OMNY card? +
If you didn’t receive your card, you can visit any of the 15 Customer Service Center locations at select subway stations, Mobile Van locations, or at 3 Stone St. in Lower Manhattan. At these locations, you can get a new card and transfer any remaining balance from your MetroCard.
How do I qualify for a Reduced-Fare OMNY card? +
Adults 65 or older qualify with just a valid photo ID. People with qualifying disabilities need to provide additional documentation. You can apply and receive a card the same day at Customer Service Centers if you’re 65+, while those with disabilities will need to complete an application with supporting documentation. The complete requirements can be found at mta.info/fares/reduced-fare/omny.
What happens if I lose my Reduced-Fare OMNY card? +
If you’ve registered your card online at OMNY.info, you can sign in to your account and click “Suspend” to protect your balance. You’ll then need to visit an in-person customer service center to receive a replacement card. It’s recommended to make note of your 18-digit serial number or take a photo of your card in case it gets lost.
