nyc fact/tip #4:

the metrocard, the fare payment system used on new york’s subway and bus system (opreated by the mta) is in the process of being replaced!

the metrocard will be replaced by omny, which stands for one metro new york. it allows contactless credit and debit cards and mobile wallets to simply tap on the payment terminal.

it is already in use on all subway turnstiles and bus doors! if you visit new york, there is no need to buy a metrocard! all you need to do is tap your contactless credit/debit card on the omny reader. skip the long metrocard machine lines and just tap and go! you can make an omny account, but it isn’t necessary.

if you need to pay with cash, your best option is to see if there is an omny card vending machine (which are in the process of being rolled out), or else just by a metrocard (unless you are willing to go to a convenience store that sells omny cards).

in the future, omny will (hopefully) also be on other transit in the area, like the lirr, metro-north, nice bus, bee-line bus, and more.

learn more about it at omny.info