How does OMNY work? Understanding New York's upcoming unified public transport system

New York has launched a new fare payment system called OMNY (One Metro New York). OMNY represents an upgrade in how customers access public transportation. OMNY is planned to completely replace existing MetroCards by the end of 2025. The system will provide a speedier, easier, and more seamless payment experience over all the services that the MTA operates including the subway, buses, and eventually the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad.

OMNY will roll out in phases, and readers are already available at all subway stations and on city buses. In a statement, the MTA explained that the purpose of OMNY is to help customers by eliminating the need to buy and load physical cards.

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How does OMNY work in New York?

According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), OMNY operates as a contactless fare payment system that allows users to access public transport quickly and easily. Instead of swiping a MetroCard, passengers simply tap their compatible payment method on an OMNY reader located at the subway turnstiles and bus validators.

• Tap to Pay: Users tap their contactless credit or debit card, mobile device with a digital wallet, or OMNY card on the OMNY reader.
• Automatic Detection: The reader uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to securely detect the user's payment information.
• Fare Deduction: The system automatically deducts the standard fare from the account linked to the payment method.
• Trip Recording: The system logs the trip, allowing for free transfers between subway and bus within a two-hour window, as long as the same payment method is used.
• Weekly Fare Cap: For users paying with the same card or device, the system tracks the trips made within a calendar week (Monday to Sunday). Once 12 paid trips are reached, all subsequent trips within that week are free.

What payment methods does OMNY accept?

The MTA states that OMNY provides a range of contactless payment methods to users of the system. This allows OMNY to use many of the different payment technologies and preferences passengers have come to embrace in their everyday lives.

• Contactless Credit and Debit Cards: Any Credit and or Debit card with a contactless payment symbol (similar to a sideways Wi-Fi symbol) is accepted.
• Digital Wallets on Smart Devices: Applications such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are accepted on Smartphone and Smartwatch devices.
• OMNY Card: A rechargeable physical OMNY Card can be purchased from OMNY vending machines, or select retailers.