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MTA: OMNY contactless payment system available now across NYC-Metro area

Commuters can now officially use the Metropolitan Transportation Agency's OMNY contactless payment system anytime when catching a train or bus in the city.

News 12 Staff

Dec 31, 2020, 11:24 PM

Updated 1,440 days ago

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Commuters can now officially use the Metropolitan Transportation Agency's OMNY contactless payment system anytime when catching a train or bus in the city.
So far, it's seen 35 million taps to date.
The MTA reached a milestone in its tap-and-go payment system with every single train station and bus stop in the city now equipped with the contactless readers.
The MTA rolled out OMNY last year, calling it a faster and more reliable way to pay for a ride.
The new system uses the tap of a smartphone or bank card. Transit officials say it reduces lines and backups at turnstiles because of swiping issues that are often associated with MetroCards.
While one can use OMNY anywhere in the city now, it may take time for some riders to make the switch to the new way of paying for a ride. Riders at the Parkchester subway station said they aren't ready to toss out their MetroCards just yet.
The MTA says it plans to roll out OMNY vending machines next year for those who don't have a smartphone or band card.
The MetroCard will be completely phased out by 2023.