MTA’s new tap-to-pay ‘OMNY’ program aims to save commuters time

News 12 got an inside look at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's new fare payment system -- the OMNY program that officials are billing as a way to help save commuters time.

News 12 Staff

Oct 23, 2020, 9:59 PM

Updated 1,372 days ago

Share:

News 12 got an inside look at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's new fare payment system -- the OMNY program that officials are billing as a way to help save commuters time.
There is no more swiping, inserting cash into machines or getting stuck at turnstiles. The OMNY program lets commuters use their cellphones to just tap, pay and hop on the subway.
On Friday afternoon, the OMNY project educated subway riders at the 149th Street and Grand Concourse station about the convenience of the program--giving News 12 an exclusive look at the process.
"It's contactless which is gold. You no longer need to touch the vending machines, you don't have to touch the turnstile so it's really fast and easy and it'll speed up your trip,” said Sarah Meyer, chief customer officer for New York City Transit.
Officials say it could take time for New Yorkers to adjust to the change, but that they plan on phasing out the MetroCard in July of 2023.
"People resist change, it's human nature. fear of the unknown. so that's what we're here to do. we're here to relieve that fear, provide the information and education so there is no fear,” said OMNY Executive Al Putre.
An OMNY card will also be introduced next year, where riders can add cash value to the card, or use their bank accounts to replenish funds.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:54
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American