MTA Rolls Out New OMNY Tap-To-Pay Metrocard Replacement System On Subways, Buses
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Move over, MetroCard. The MTA has a new way to pay.
Starting today, riders can tap a cellphone or contactless credit card to enter certain subway trains and buses.
The OMNY contactless system is rolling out at 16 stations along the 4, 5 and 6 lines between Grand Central and Atlantic Avenue-Barclay Center, as well as Staten Island buses.
The agency says the goal is to make your trips faster and more convenient.
For anyone worried about privacy or security, the creator of the system - a company called Cubic - says it's just as secure as any retail transaction.
"These payment systems are based on retail payment system standards issued by the payments industry, so its got all of the highest standard of the payments industry security you would expect in any payment system," said Matthew Cole of Cubic.
MTA Rolls Out New OMNY System
"It would make it so much easier. You know how long it takes to swipe and walk through the train? Sometimes, this way, it doesn't even work, so you're sitting there swiping," one straphanger said.
"MetroCard is that terrible machine over there. You have to swipe it, sometimes it doesn't work, it breaks. My phone is always with me," said subway rider Jason Bega.
Right now, riders can only use the pay-per-ride option, but eventually the system will allow you to buy weekly and monthly passes.
OMNY stands for "One Metro New York." It's the MTA's first new payment system in more than 25 years.
While the system is phased in over the next few years, passengers will still be able to use MetroCards.
The OMNY readers will be added to all MTA lines over the next year and the LIRR and Metro-North by 2021. They system is expected to be fully in place by 2023.
If you're someone who doesn't want to use your smart device to tape, eventually you'll be able to buy an OMNY card you can tap.
For more information on the OMNY system, click here.