Curbed New York, 5/22/19:
A guide to OMNY, the MTA’s new MetroCard-replacing fare system
A pilot for the tap-to-pay technology will launch on May 31
It’s the beginning of the end for the MetroCard.
Starting on May 31, the MTA will launch a pilot program of its new tap-to-pay system, known as OMNY, that will eventually replace swiping a MetroCard. The fare technology will roll out in phases, allowing transit officials to iron out the kinks as they work toward fully retiring the MetroCard in 2023.
The transit authority is starting with 16 subway stations on the 4, 5, and 6 lines in Manhattan and Brooklyn between Grand Central-42 Street and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center; riders will also be able to try out OMNY on all Staten Island buses. The system will function on a full-fare, pay-per-ride basis until every subway station, bus route, and the Staten Island Railway is outfitted with the new tap-and-go tech by late 2020; Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North will follow in early 2021. The goal is for OMNY to be commuters’ passport to the New York region across all of the MTA-controlled subway, buses, and commuter rail lines.
Whether you’re eager to embrace OMNY or aim to stick with the MetroCard for as long as possible, here’s what you need to know about the new payment system.
Continue here.