Meanwhile, the MTA is powering ahead with bringing modern fare collection to the New York City public transportation system, giving OMNY cards to all the riders of the system who are qualified for reduced fares. This is quite similar to traditional MetroCards. This would be very efficient as it saves the time and efforts of millions of eligible riders by improving their riding experience.
Who gets OMNY cards?
The new OMNY cards target mainly two groups of New Yorkers:
- Seniors: Those who are 65 and above and are in the MTA’s reduced fare program.
- People with disabilities: New Yorkers with qualified medical disabilities to use reduced fares.
This move will expose about 1.5 million riders currently using the reduced-fare program. According to MTA Chairperson Janno Lieber, this group is the largest so far to turn entirely to OMNY introduced in 2021.
MetroCard to OMNY transition
The MTA’s move away from MetroCards to OMNY cards is all part of a broader effort to change the way it collects fare payments. Previously, reduced fare riders relied on physical MetroCards, which they’d swipe at turnstiles. With OMNY, riders will now tap to pay.
- Mailings process: The MTA has started mailing OMNY cards directly to eligible reduced fare customers. Customers applying in person at MTA customer service centers will receive their card on the same day.
- How new riders apply: New applicants can sign-up for the reduced-fare program and receive an OMNY card at the MTA’s central customer service center at 3 Stone Street in Lower Manhattan. Additional locations will be added in early 2025.
Benefits to using OMNY cards
The switch to OMNY doesn’t give up any of the benefits associated with being a reduced fare rider under MetroCards. The following benefits remain the same:
- Half-price fares: Reduced-fare riders will still see half-price fares on all MTA services, including subways, buses, Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, and Hudson Rail Link.
- Free transfers: Riders will continue to enjoy free transfers when tapping their OMNY cards at each stop along their journey.
- Fare capping: One of the most significant upgrades with OMNY is fare capping. After paying for 12 trips within a seven-day period, riders automatically get free rides. For reduced-fare customers, the cap is $17, which lets them ride for free after that amount is reached.
How to use your OMNY card
Using an OMNY card is easy:
- Tap and go: Riders simply tap their card on an OMNY reader at subway turnstiles or on buses. The reader will indicate when the tap is successful by lighting up green and displaying a “Go!” message.
- Account linking: Users have the option to link their OMNY card to a free account, enabling them to manage their rides and track spending easily.
- Refill your card: Users can refill their OMNY cards at the vending machines available throughout the transit system. This makes it quite easy for users to add value whenever they want.
Community response and future outlook
The OMNY card rollout for reduced-fare riders has generated excitement among transit advocates and community leaders alike. For many, this is a significant step toward greater accessibility and ease of use in New York City public transportation.
State Senator Jessica Ramos told her constituents to “check their mail for a new card” and pledged that she would support anyone who doesn’t get theirs. The MTA, for its part, promised to soon ramp up outreach, getting word to all eligible riders on how the new system works, and how to use it with ease.
As more and more switch over from MetroCards to OMNY, use of the tap-and-go system will continue to grow: at the moment, some 65% of subway riders use OMNY to pay for their rides, which is a good indication that full-fare customers like it too.
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