Goodbye MetroCard: New York Subway Issues New OMNY Fare Cards

OMNY, New York's contactless public transit system, will soon replace MetroCard. Before that, she only worked on the basis of an application that charges funds from your debit or credit card, but now she has issued her own cards, which are already available for purchase. Curbed.

One in six New York City public transit rides are now billed through OMNY using the app and credit or debit cards. However, New York is home to many people who do not use smartphones, but still use public transport in the city. Some are anti-tech, some just prefer to pay in cash, and some need a backup payment option in case the phone's battery runs out. In addition, many - according to the MTA, between 11% and 14% of passengers - do not have bank accounts to link to the app.

On the subject: Everything you want to know about OMNY’s new fare system

These passengers need a non-app related fare payment method. Therefore, the OMNY card is just what they need. They went on sale on October 1, but it's not easy to buy them yet.

Where can I buy an OMNY card

At the moment, this card is not yet sold at metro or bus stops. This requires new vending machines, which will appear in stations in a few months. In the meantime, OMNY is available at Target, Amazon and Red Lobster, as well as online pharmacies such as CVS and Duane Reader.

You can also buy it at bodegas, small shops and other places that sell MetroCards. You can also top up your OMNY card in cash at these stores.

What the map looks like

The MTA has made every effort to make the card look like a premium item and not like a benefit card or the like. There are two barcodes on the black and white map. The barcode on the front is pretty cleverly disguised as a design element. It echoes the track motif of the OMNY logo.

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Over time, the card will also be issued in other colors to indicate individual fare classes. Among them: student pass, pensioner pass, MTA employee, etc. There will also be commemorative designs, as was the case with the MetroCard.

The OMNY card will last for seven years, which is a big improvement. MetroCard is valid for 18 months.