Say goodbye to coin payments on New York City buses in 2026
Riders will have to use an OMNY card or a contactless payment method in order to ride the bus.
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It's a new era for the MTA.
Coins will no longer be accepted as fare payment for city buses in 2026.
Riders will have to use an OMNY card or a contactless payment method in order to ride the bus.
The retirement of coin payments is part of the MTA's plan to fully roll out OMNY, One Metro New York, that will replace the MetroCard by the end of 2025.
Contactless payments are expected to modernize the system by speeding up the boarding process and reduce maintenance costs according to MTA officials.
How do riders feel?
“It is crazy because I remember using the coins and stuff to get on the train," said Marcus Kanhai who rides the bus.
Maria Ace says she uses tap-to-pay but sometimes has issues.
"I tap my phone, and it just won’t go through some time, so regardless it’s going to take up time you’re just going to be taking away from citizens who don’t have tap or don’t use the card," said Ace.
While other riders feel the OMNY card is easier than fumbling through their pockets for loose change.
“The card is easier cause you don’t have to fumble for change hold up people hold up the line," said Shaun K.
Coins will still be accepted at card vending machines in subway stations and at businesses that sell OMNY cards, However, the option will not be available at bus stops.
OMNY card costs $1 to purchase under a promotion but is expected to increase to $2 in 2026 once MetroCards are fully phased out.
A minimum of $1 is required to be loaded onto the card when purchased.
MetroCards will no longer be sold or reloaded past Dec. 31, 2025.
To find an OMNY vending machine near you click here. OMNY Card
