MetroCard was supposed to disappear soon, but it is being extended due to problems with the OMNY system
'25.01.2022'
Nurgul Sultanova-Chetin
New Yorkers will be able to continue using the MetroCard until at least 2024, reports NY Daily News. On January 24, officials confirmed that magnetic stripe cards would be available for longer than originally planned due to issues with OMNY's new payment system. Previously, the plan was to retire the MetroCard by the end of 2023.
The problems and delays in full-scale implementation of OMNY are related to a "software porting issue" by Cubic Transportation Systems, which has been contracted to deploy the new system, said Amy Linden, head of fare systems at MTA.
OMNY readers, which allow passengers to pay for travel using bank cards, smartphones or smart gadgets, are already installed on all subway turnstiles and in buses cities. Passengers can also purchase physical OMNY cards from retail stores where they can top up with cash.
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But before OMNY can completely replace the MetroCard, a lot of work needs to be done. MTA needs to install about 1600 vending machines, Linden says Omny at metro stations. They will replace those that sell MetroCards. The replacement process will not begin until the end of 2022 and will take 13 months. In addition, a global shortage of plastic and electronic chips may prevent the MTA from stocking new OMNY cards.
MTA plans to create an application
The MTA will also create an OMNY app that will allow passengers to purchase passes through their smartphones. The MTA also plans to install the OMNY digital payment system for the Metro-North and Long Island Rail Roads. But the technology won't be ready until the third quarter of 2024, officials said.
In 2017, the MTA awarded Cubic a $573 million contract to deploy OMNY. The budget has since grown to $772 million.
The latest budget forecast for OMNY "does not reflect change orders that the MTA is currently negotiating with the supplier," Linden said.
The new fare system currently only accepts single tickets. On March 1, the MTA will launch a four-month pilot that will automatically grant passes to passengers who spend the equivalent of the cost of the pass on single trips.
