In January 1994, the MTA debuted MetroCards as part of its effort to phase out subway tokens. Now, the transit agency is working toward having a completely contactless fare payment system.
OMNY, or One Metro New York, will eventually replace the MTA’s MetroCard system, though the agency says there is still no set date for MetroCards to be phased out.
Before MetroCards are gone for good, here’s everything you need to know about OMNY.
What is OMNY and how does it work?
OMNY is a tap-and-pay system that the MTA first launched in 2019. The system allows commuters to ride the MTA’s buses and trains without swiping a MetroCard.
Instead, commuters can tap a contactless credit or debit card, a reloadable prepaid or pre-tax benefit card, a smartphone with a digital wallet, a wearable device like a smartwatch or an OMNY card at an OMNY reader to enter the transit system.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, UnionPay and JCB credit cards are all accepted.
PIN-restricted debit cards, non-reloadable prepaid cards and gift cards are not accepted at this time.
Learn more about contactless payment here.
Where can I use OMNY and how much does it cost?
Riders can use OMNY at all subway stations, on all MTA-operated buses, on the Hudson Rail Link, on the Roosevelt Island Tram, and at the AirTrain-Howard Beach and AirTrain-Jamaica stations, according to the MTA.
Unlike with MetroCards, commuters don’t have to pay up front. They can just tap and pay with the same device and card as they go.
Currently, OMNY can’t be used to buy commuter rail tickets. The MTA says it plans to add that functionality “during the next phase of the rollout.”
The fare for using an OMNY card is the same as it is to use a MetroCard. On subways and local, limited and Select Bus Service buses, the fare cost riders $2.90. On express buses, the fare costs $7.
How does the weekly fare cap work with OMNY?
Riders who pay with OMNY automatically qualify for a seven-day cap on fares.
If you pay for 12 rides within a seven-day period using the same smart device, contactless card or OMNY card for each trip, any additional rides you take will be free.
Keep in mind that group trips, express bus trips and free transfers do not count toward the cap.
Additionally, if riders take a trip on a subway or local bus for $2.90 and transfer to an express bus for $4.10, which is the step-up fare, the fare that was paid for the subway or local bus will count for the seven-day fare cap.
Do I still get free transfers?
Yes. As with MetroCards, OMNY allows riders to have a free transfer. However, your free transfer will not show up on the OMNY reader screen.
“Your free transfer will be determined at the end of each day before your payment method is charged,” the MTA says. Free transfers are only valid within two hours of the initial payment.
In order to receive free transfers, you must use the same payment method throughout the trip. If you switch payment methods during a trip, your transfer will be treated as a new trip.
Can I pay for multiple riders with OMNY?
Yes. You can use pass-backs to pay for yourself and up to three additional riders. To get free transfers for multiple riders, you must tap multiple times.
“For example, if you travel with three additional riders, you will need to tap four times on the first leg of your trip and four times for free transfers on the second leg of your trip,” the MTA says.
Where can I buy an OMNY card?
Commuters who don’t want to use their phone or personal credit card to tap into the transit system can purchase an OMNY card to use to tap in instead.
OMNY cards are available for purchase or to reload at stores throughout the city, such as Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven and more. You can find a store that sells the cards here.
There are also OMNY card vending machines at various subway stations. Riders can buy OMNY cards, reload them and check their current balances at the machines.
OMNY cards generally cost $5 and must be loaded with a minimum of $1 when they are purchased, but for a limited time, they cost only $1 at all OMNY vending machines.
You can find an OMNY vending machine here.
How can I reload my OMNY card online?
OMNY card users can reload their card online by linking it to a free OMNY account. Account holders can also set up automatic reloads.
Commuters can register for an OMNY account here.
What is an OMNY account, and do I need one?
While riders do not need an OMNY account to use OMNY, an account allows them to keep track of and manage their trips and charges online.
“By registering for an OMNY account, you gain more control of your everyday experience,” the MTA says.
If your OMNY card is lost or stolen and it’s linked to an OMNY account, you’ll be able to suspend the card and transfer the balance to a replacement card via your account online. You can also contact OMNY Customer Service and have them suspend the card and transfer the balance.
Can Reduced-Fare customers use OMNY?
Yes. The MTA allows Reduced-Fare customers to link their accounts to OMNY. To learn how to link your account, click here. At this time, Reduced-Fare OMNY cards are not available.
What’s happening with student MetroCards?
City officials in July announced that eligible public school students would receive OMNY cards that offer more free rides and that can be used every day of the week.
The new Student OMNY cards replaced student MetroCards. The new cards are valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with up to four free rides per day.
Just like all travelers, students can use their OMNY cards on the MTA’s subway lines, as well as on local, limited and select buses, the Staten Island Railway, the Roosevelt Island Tram and the Hudson Rail Link. The Student OMNY cards also allow for free transfers from one transit mode to another, officials said.
Students will receive the new cards at the beginning of each school year and keep the same cards for the full year and summer, officials said.
To learn if a student is eligible for a Student OMNY card, click here.