As New York City officially enters the post-MetroCard era, millions of commuters are adapting to OMNY — the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) contactless fare system now required for all subway and bus rides. After more than three decades, the iconic MetroCard has been retired, and the new “tap-and-go” technology is now the standard for fare payment across the city’s public transit network.

Here’s what riders need to know to use the system with confidence:

What OMNY Is and Where It Works

OMNY (One Metro New York) lets riders pay fares by tapping a contactless payment method at subway turnstiles or on board buses. The system is available throughout the city on all MTA subways and buses, and continues expanding to other services.

How to Pay Your Fare

Riders now have several ways to use OMNY:

• Tap a contactless credit or debit card — just hold your card near the OMNY reader.
• Use a mobile wallet on a smartphone or wearable device (like Apple Pay, Google Wallet or a smart watch).
• Tap an OMNY card — a dedicated, reloadable transit card you can buy and top up if you don’t want to use a bank card or smart device.

At subway turnstiles and on buses, simply hold your chosen payment method near the reader until you see a green “GO” confirmation — that means your fare has been accepted.
NYC Subway Guide

Fare Structure and Transfers

The base fare under OMNY is the same as it was with MetroCard, and free transfers between buses and subways remain part of the system — provided you use the same payment method for the entire trip. Riders who use the same account to pay for others, such as a child or a partner, should keep in mind that only the first payment in a 15-minute window will count toward the fare cap.

Fare Capping: Your New “Unlimited” Option

OMNY introduces fare capping: if you use the same card or device and pay for 12 rides within a seven-day period, the rest of your rides that week are free — essentially giving you an unlimited-ride benefit without pre-buying a pass.

Reduced-Fare and Special Cards

Riders eligible for reduced-fare programs (like seniors or people with disabilities) can use a Reduced-Fare OMNY Card or assign their reduced-fare benefit to a contactless card or device. Tapping works the same way, and the reduced fare applies automatically.
MTA

OMNY Card Purchase and Reload Options

Physical OMNY cards can be purchased and reloaded:

• At OMNY vending machines in subway stations
• At participating retail locations
• Online through an OMNY account
• By phone or at MTA customer service centers
• You can also load cash onto a card — a key feature for riders without bank cards or digital wallets.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Always tap with the same card or device each time during a journey to ensure transfers and weekly caps apply correctly.
MTA

If paying for more than one person, use separate cards or devices for each rider during their first tap to ensure each rides toward their own fare cap.
MTA

Support is available through OMNY’s customer service line and the MTA website for any account or payment questions.