LOWER MANHATTAN (WABC) -- The transition from Metrocard to 'tap-and-go' moved closer to the finish line on Friday as the MTA made OMNY cards available to their reduced fare riders. Roughly two out of every three transit riders are already using the MTA's 'tap-and-go' system, known as OMNY. This technique is easy to master, and virtually any credit card works. Riders can also opt for the OMNY card, functioning just like a credit card.
Since its inception in 2021, the MTA has made significant strides with OMNY. On Friday, the agency took another step by rolling out OMNY cards to reduced fare riders, including seniors and the disabled. "It is the largest single group who has not been truly on the OMNY system up to now," noted Janno Lieber, MTA Chairman. Historically, before card readers, riders were required to use unique coins for subway access, and the token booth was their only option for acquiring one. The 1990s witnessed the transition from tokens to Metrocards, which, as one rider recalled, were simpler to manage: "It's lighter than carrying a lot of tokens."
Fast forward three decades, OMNY emerges as the agency's subtle initiative to phase out the MetroCard. Until now, reduced fare riders needed to register their credit cards to take advantage of tap-and-go discounts. The MTA has been mailing OMNY cards to registered users and accepting applications at their customer service center situated in Lower Manhattan. "Every bit makes a difference. You know, it's a step in the right direction," expressed Doug Goodman, a Manhattan resident.
Yet, the transition is tinged with nostalgia for many. Just like the subway token, the MetroCard has become somewhat of a cultural icon of New York, with collectors and art enthusiasts transforming them creatively. A Bronx resident, Tommy Washington, reflects on the changes, stating, "I'm old school; it works. You know, you can't keep changing things. Like I say, if something works, leave it the way it is."
Despite hesitation from some riders, the MTA is embracing change. Notably, as the end of Metrocards nears, the transportation agency has released limited-edition MetroCards. A dozen subway stations are dispensing 75,000 limited-edition passes this month. Vending machines can be found across stations, including Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer, Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave-JFK Airport, as well as Court Sq-23 St, and several others.
According to the MTA, OMNY's adoption has soared, logging more than 2 billion taps so far. "New Yorkers love OMNY. They love how it makes paying the fares so easy, they love how OMNY ensures you get the best bang for the buck," emphasized Lieber. With OMNY, riders no longer have to decide between paying over $100 for monthly or $30 for weekly passes. The system automatically calculates the user’s best deal just by tapping and going.
Earlier this week, MTA Chairperson Janno Lieber announced the rollout of the new tap-to-pay cards for the 1.5 million riders who participate in the reduced-fare program. This demographic primarily consists of seniors aged over 65 and individuals with disabilities. Notably, OMNY was conceived as not just a digital payment option but also as support for those without bank accounts or smart phones. Until now, only 75,000 of the 1.5 million reduced-fare riders had registered to utilize their discount via tapping bank cards since the feature was introduced last year.
Currently, around 65% of subway riders opt to pay via the OMNY system, with 80% of full fare payers choosing this method. New applicants for the reduced-fare program can sign up and obtain OMNY cards at the MTA’s main customer service center located at 3 Stone St. in Lower Manhattan. Transit officials indicate plans to expand this service to additional service centers by early next year.
Part of this initiative includes the introduction of OMNY card vending machines, which have quietly been sprouting across the subway system over the last year. Jamie Torres-Springer, MTA’s head of construction and development, shared, "We expect by the middle of next year we’ll have the card vending machines fully rolled out across the system." So, as the familiar MetroCard gradually fades from memory, the MTA's bold new vision for the future of public transit is clearly taking shape.
