MTA Phasing Out MetroCard and Coin Payments for OMNY and Contactless
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is streamlining its fare payment system with OMNY cards. These cards can be purchased or reloaded at MTA vending machines, select retail locations, online, and through Customer Service Centers. However, a significant change is on the horizon: once the MTA fully transitions from MetroCard to OMNY around mid-2026, local businesses selling OMNY cards will no longer offer them. Additionally, coin payments on buses will cease in 2026, necessitating the use of OMNY or contactless payments.
The MTA has announced that it will temporarily limit some OMNY card services during the weekend. From 10 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Sunday, riders will still be able to tap to pay for bus and subway fares, but they will not be able to purchase new OMNY cards or reload existing ones. This is due to scheduled system upgrades to improve the OMNY service.
During this period, all OMNY charges will take a day or two to process. To avoid any delays, the MTA advises customers to buy new OMNY cards or reload existing ones before 7 p.m. Friday. This will ensure that riders have uninterrupted access to their OMNY services throughout the weekend.
In summary, the MTA is phasing out MetroCard and coin payments on buses in favor of OMNY and contactless payments. While OMNY card services will be temporarily limited during the upcoming weekend, customers are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid any inconvenience. The MTA's goal is to provide a seamless and efficient fare payment system for all riders.
