MTA marks 3 billion taps as New York embraces contactless travel

The MTA recorded its 3 billionth tap on October 22, highlighting New York’s rapid transition to contactless payments as subway ridership reached new post-pandemic highs.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

MTA expands OMNY access and ends MetroCard sales

The MTA continues modernizing fare collection because passengers overwhelmingly prefer tap-to-pay. About 87 percent of subway and bus rides now use contactless methods for speed and convenience.

To help the remaining MetroCard users switch, the agency is opening more customer service centers and expanding outreach. MetroCard sales will officially end on December 31, 2025, and the cards will stop being accepted in mid-2026, closing a 30-year chapter in New York transit history.

In September 2025, the MTA finished installing 980 OMNY kiosks across all 472 subway stations. These machines allow riders to reload and manage contactless cards directly at stations. Travelers can also tap to pay with smartphones, smartwatches, or NFC-enabled bank cards.

MTA breaks ridership records and strengthens digital network

During two consecutive days in October, more than 4.5 million passengers rode the subway—surpassing every post-pandemic record. Officials said this reflects both the city’s economic recovery and the success of digital fare systems.

Because ridership continues to climb, the MTA views contactless payment as essential for efficiency and crowd management. Officials plan to extend OMNY across commuter rail lines, integrating Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North into one seamless payment ecosystem.

Expert context and analysis

The MTA’s digital transition follows global urban-mobility trends, where contactless systems improve operational efficiency and passenger experience. By eliminating MetroCard maintenance, the agency saves millions annually and reduces fare evasion through faster, traceable transactions.

Experts note that the MTA’s success positions New York as a national model for modernizing public transport. Because contactless data enables smarter scheduling and capacity planning, the agency gains deeper insights into real-time travel patterns—supporting a more reliable and responsive network.

As the city continues to rebound, MTA’s contactless fare evolution shows how public investment and digital innovation can reshape the daily rhythm of urban life.

Where to buy OMNY cards?

Riders can purchase OMNY contactless cards at OMNY kiosks located in every subway station, as well as at over 2,000 retail stores across the five boroughs—including CVS, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, and independent convenience shops.

Cards are also available through MTA’s online store at omny.info, where users can order, register, and manage their balances securely.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: