One Metro New York (OMNY), the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) contactless fare payment system, has reached two significant milestones.
The system surpassed 75 million taps since it first launched two years ago this May, and received more than 500,000 taps on May 7.
The OMNY rollout was completed at all 472 subway stations and on all 5,800 MTA buses in December 2020. It allows customers the convenience of using a smart device or bank card of their own choosing and forgo the need to refill a MetroCard.
In total, the New York City Transit NYCT) system is now equipped with more than 15,000 OMNY readers for processing customer payments. OMNY will fully replace the MetroCard in 2023 and a dedicated OMNY card, to allow for cash fare purchases and eventually replace the MetroCard, will make its debut later this year.
"It's been an immensely challenging 14 months, but the success of OMNY has remained a real bright spot throughout the system" said NYCT Interim President Sarah Feinberg. "As we get closer to phasing out the MetroCard entirely, I encourage customers to start paying their fare with OMNY. It's incredibly easy, fast and convenient to use. Just tap and go."
MTA Chief Customer Officer Sarah Meyer added, “I am so excited that our returning customers will get to experience the ease of a world class contactless payment system when they return to the system. More and more customer benefit companies are offering contactless payments options, so you’ll never have to wait in line for a MetroCard again. It’s the fastest way to pay.”
Beginning in 2021, customers will be able to purchase the OMNY card – a contactless fare card – using cash at retail locations throughout the region. OMNY will also begin expanding fare options in 2021 with the introduction of reduced fares for senior customers and riders with disabilities and integration with paratransit services. The card will eventually be available at vending machines in stations as well.
Additional improvements to the digital experience are expected later this year, including a refresh of the OMNY.info website and the launch of the OMNY mobile app. These efforts will give customers additional flexibility and choice in where, when and how their fare is paid.
