New York City rolled out the One Metro New York (OMNY) contactless payment system five years ago. However, due to several issues, less than half of subway riders currently use OMNY. For instance, passengers entitled to discounted fares, such as students, cannot use it to get cheaper rides, and residents of the greater New York transit system also face limitations.
Janno Lieber, CEO and chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), stated, “We saw consistently that there was confusion.” In an effort to increase OMNY users, the MTA is demoting Cubic Corporation, the contractor behind its original rollout, and will begin working with the team behind the popular MTA TrainTime app, which boasts a 4.9-star rating in the Apple App Store.
Integration and Improvements
OMNY Integration with MTA TrainTime
- Enhanced User Experience: Riders will soon be able to use the app’s tap-and-go function across the MTA’s extensive transport system, including the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road. This integration aims to streamline the payment process and make it more user-friendly.
- Seamless Functionality: The integration with MTA TrainTime is expected to provide a more cohesive experience, reducing confusion and enhancing convenience for commuters.
Modernized Ticket Machines
- Upgraded Infrastructure: The updated app will include upgrades like modernized ticket machines, as per an MTA press release issued on May 20. These machines will support the new payment system and provide additional features to improve the ticketing experience.
- Future-Proofing: The modernization effort is part of a broader strategy to future-proof the city’s transit system, ensuring it can meet the needs of modern commuters.
Key Statements and Timeline
Jamie Torres-Springer, the MTA’s construction and development president, emphasized, “This is the best way to get this done as quickly as possible so that we don’t have any interruption in the quality of our ticketing service.” This statement underscores the importance of a smooth transition to the new system without disrupting the quality of service.
Implementation Timeline
- By the End of 2024: The MTA plans to implement a contactless fare payment system for most consumers by the end of 2024. This initial phase will lay the groundwork for the broader rollout.
- Full Rollout by End of 2025: The MTA aims to further roll out the system across subway, bus, and paratransit systems by the end of 2025, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility.
Future Features
Integrated Fare System
- Unified Ticketing: The MTA will issue tickets to railroad riders that can be used to ride the subway with an integrated fare. This will create a more seamless travel experience, allowing for easy transfers between different modes of transport.
- Pay-As-You-Go Flexibility: The system will support a pay-as-you-go model on the railroad, providing flexibility for commuters and potentially reducing the need for pre-purchased tickets.
Multiple Payment Options
- Versatile Payment Methods: Customers will be able to use contactless credit or debit cards, smartphones, wearable devices, or OMNY cards for tap-and-go payments. This flexibility ensures that riders can choose the payment method that best suits their needs.
- Convenience and Efficiency: The new system aims to make payments quicker and more convenient, reducing queues and wait times at ticket machines and turnstiles.
Retirement of the MetroCard
When the new system is complete, the old-school yellow MetroCard will be retired. However, its expiration date has been “indefinitely” postponed, as first reported by Streetsblog New York City. This decision allows for a smoother transition period, giving riders ample time to adjust to the new system.
Final Thoughts
The MTA’s new contactless payment system aims to streamline and modernize the transit experience for New York City riders. By integrating OMNY with the highly-rated MTA TrainTime app and introducing modernized ticket machines, the MTA is working towards a more efficient and user-friendly payment system. The transition to a fully contactless system is set for completion by the end of 2025, marking the end of the iconic yellow MetroCard era.
