With the MTA’s transition to OMNY contactless payments now underway, many riders enrolled in programs offering discounted fares, such as Reduced-Fare and Fair Fares, have questions about how their benefit will transfer over to the new system. If you are experiencing any problems accessing these programs now that the MetroCard is phased out, see the info below for helpful answers and resources.

Reduced-Fare

Reduced-Fare is a program offered to seniors (65+) and people with qualifying disabilities. Recipients are able to purchase half-priced subway and bus rides. The benefit, long tied to the iconic MetroCard, now works with OMNY. Reduced-fare customers simply tap their OMNY card, smartphone, or eligible payment card on turnstiles or OMNY readers when boarding a subway, bus, Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, or Hudson Rail Link. A green “GO” signal confirms that the reduced fare has been applied.

If you’re an existing Reduced-Fare customer, you should have received a Reduced-Fare OMNY Card in the mail. If you didn’t receive the card, you can call 511 or the OMNY Call Center (877-789-6669) to ask for a new card. If you already switched to OMNY using your credit or debit card or mobile device, you weren’t mailed a card and can continue using your card or device as usual.

If you have a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, you can no longer refill it, but you can transfer the remaining value to your Reduced-Fare OMNY Card or spend it down by using it for subway and bus rides until the expiration date printed on the back.

If you are not receiving the Reduced-Fare benefit, and think you might be eligible, you can find out more information about applying here.

More information about using the Reduced-Fare program with OMNY can be found here.

Fair Fares

Fair Fares is a New York City program that helps low-income New Yorkers receive a 50 percent discount on subway and bus fares (including the Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, and Hudson Rail Link).

If you have a Fair Fares MetroCard, you can continue to use the remaining balance before the card expires or is cancelled. You cannot transfer the balance to a new OMNY Fair Fares card.

You can request a new Fair Fares OMNY Card in one of the following ways:

• When you renew your Fair Fares enrollment
• If you report your MetroCard as lost, stolen, or damaged
• By logging into your ACCESS HRA account and selecting “Switch Fair Fares Discount from MetroCard to OMNY.” You can do this at any time.

You can learn more about Fair Fares and OMNY Here.