OMNY has redefined how New Yorkers travel by introducing a contactless fare payment system that simplifies daily commutes, boosts ridership, and supports the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s modernization goals.

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

OMNY modernizes New York City’s fare payment system
Photo: Marc A Hermann

OMNY drives record ridership and modernization

The subway system in New York recently reached 4.5 million riders for two straight days, which shows a robust recovery from the pandemic. The MTA also reached three billion OMNY taps. This milestone shows that New Yorkers favor contactless travel.

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As a direct result of the success of the program, 87% of subway and bus rides in the city now utilize the tap-and-ride system of OMNY. The MTA finished installing 980 OMNY vending machines at 472 stations, which enabled them to look toward phasing out the MetroCards by mid-2026. Customers can now pay using smartphones, credit cards, or an OMNY card.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber emphasized that this shift shows how innovation improves accessibility and affordability. The OMNY system also cuts operating costs and reduces cash handling, saving about $20 million annually that can be reinvested in transit upgrades.

OMNY improves access and affordability for riders

OMNY’s fare-capping feature automatically unlocks free rides after a set number of trips, so passengers don’t overpay or pre-plan their spending. This change encourages regular use and helps riders save money.

OMNY modernizes New York City’s fare payment system
Photo: Marc A Hermann

The MTA Board increased fare-capping on express buses to a maximum of $67 per week. In addition to that, they also created a website known as OMNY.info that enables customers to check the fees and track the progress towards getting services for free. All these services will be incorporated in the MTA app by 2026.

Together, record ridership and the success of OMNY demonstrate how technology can transform a city’s mobility. New York’s transit network is becoming more efficient, sustainable, and rider-focused — a blueprint for urban transportation worldwide.

Source: www.metro-magazine.com

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What is OMNY?

OMNY is the MTA’s contactless fare payment system that allows passengers to pay for subway and bus rides using smartphones, OMNY cards, or contactless bank cards.

How does OMNY’s fare-capping feature work?

Fare-capping automatically grants free rides after passengers reach a spending limit within seven days, ensuring they never pay more than a weekly pass.

When will the MetroCard be phased out?

The MTA plans to end MetroCard sales by December 31 and fully discontinue its use by mid-2026, transitioning entirely to OMNY.

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