OMNY
Coverage of OMNY in the Nexus archive.
- For Some Older NYC Bus Riders, Change Comes Easy. Just Not OMNY.
The MTA is transitioning bus riders to OMNY, a tap-and-go payment system, as coin usage will be discontinued later this year. Despite efforts by officials like Demetrius Crichlow to promote the change, some older riders still express comfort with paying using loose coins. Riders reported that while MetroCards' sales ended at the end of 2025, OMNY cards can continue to be refilled.
- New York City transit auctions off last MetroCard machines: ‘wild home decor idea’
The MTA is auctioning its remaining MetroCard vending machines as it transitions to a contactless fare system. The auction, open until 19 August, includes machines that have served subway riders for decades.
- Mamdani hasn't made NYC's buses free. Riders stopped paying anyway.
The mayor's 2025 campaign pledge to make NYC buses free has not been implemented, but riders have stopped paying fares, leading to increased fare evasion. MTA Chair Janno Lieber attributes the rise in fare evasion to this pledge.
- MTA boss says agency ‘developing capacity’ for OMNY to show balances and transfers to riders
The MTA is developing software updates to enable OMNY tap-and-pay users to view real-time balances and transfers, a feature previously available with MetroCards. Riders have expressed frustration over the lack of immediate access to fare caps and trip details since OMNY's full rollout in December 2024.
- Some riders take concerns to MTA about OMNY fare payment as upgrades are planned
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's OMNY tap-to-pay fare system is causing confusion among riders regarding fare caps, transfers, and trip tracking, despite claims of greater flexibility compared to the MetroCard. Riders have raised concerns about how many trips count toward the weekly fare cap and when transfers apply.
- OMNY issues across MTA system: What to know
OMNY cards cannot be refilled at vending machines, Customer Service Centers, or online due to a technical issue, prompting the MTA to advise travelers to use credit or debit cards instead.
- The MTA still accepts MetroCards in the OMNY era — but does anyone still swipe? Here are a few who do.
The MTA stopped selling MetroCards in 2026 but continues to accept them for existing balances. Most riders have adopted OMNY, with 98% using the new system. Some seniors and individuals with leftover MetroCard funds still use the old cards or coins, and the MTA is phasing out MetroCard vending machines and swipe slots.
- Free OMNY cards coming for some CUNY students in new pilot program
About 1,250 CUNY students will receive free OMNY cards in fall and spring semesters through a pilot program announced by New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin's office. The initiative aims to make travel more affordable for college students in New York City.
- Fare evasion: MTA honcho says pilot of ‘European’ enforcement model now focused on express buses
The MTA is piloting a new fare enforcement model on express buses using handheld devices to validate OMNY payments, shifting focus from local routes. The transition aims to train staff and prepare for broader implementation, with challenges including limited technology and personnel.