Contactless Payments System Garnering Increasing Share of Overall Fare Payments, Including 500,000 Taps on May 7OMNY Increasing in Popularity as Ridership Grows on Subways and BusesThe Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that the Authority's One Metro New York (OMNY) contactless fare payment system has reached two significant milestones as ridership continues to grow: surpassing 75 million taps since its debut on a handful of buses and at 19 subway stations two years ago this month, and receiving more than 500,000 taps on May 7, the same day that the subway reached a pandemic record-high ridership of 2,239,500. OMNY, the rollout of which was completed at all 472 subway stations and on all 5,800 MTA buses in December, allows customers the convenience of using a smart device or bank card of their own choosing and forgo the need to refill a MetroCard. In total, the NYC Transit system is now equipped with more than 15,000 OMNY readers for processing customer payments. OMNY will fully replace the MetroCard in 2023 and a dedicated OMNY card, to allow for cash fare purchases and eventually replace the MetroCard, will make its debut later this year. "It's been an immensely challenging 14 months, but the success of OMNY has remained a real bright spot throughout the system" said New York City Interim President Sarah Feinberg. "As we get closer to phasing out the MetroCard entirely, I encourage customers to start paying their fare with OMNY. It's incredibly easy, fast and convenient to use. Just tap and go." “I am so excited that our returning customers will get to experience the ease of a world class contactless payment system when they return to the system," said Sarah Meyer, MTA Chief Customer Officer. "More and more customer benefit companies are offering contactless payments options, so you’ll never have to wait in line for a MetroCard again. It’s the fastest way to pay.” "Despite the pandemic, we're seeing tremendous increases in the number of customers who choose OMNY when paying their fare," said Wayne Lydon, Director, MTA Fare Payment Programs. "Last Friday alone, more than 500,000 customers paid with OMNY. That's the highest single-day total we've seen in the two years since OMNY's launch. As riders begin to return to the system in greater numbers, we know the number using OMNY will increase as well." Beginning in 2021, customers will be able to purchase the OMNY card – a contactless fare card – using cash at retail locations throughout the region. OMNY will also begin expanding fare options in 2021 with the introduction of reduced fares for senior customers and riders with disabilities and integration with paratransit services. The card will eventually be available at vending machines in stations as well. Additional improvements to the digital experience are expected later this year, including a refresh of the OMNY.info website and the launch of the OMNY mobile app. These efforts will give customers additional flexibility and choice in where, when and how their fare is paid. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT MTA FARE PAYMENTS AND OMNY:
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OMNY Reaches Two Milestones, Surpassing 75 Million Taps Including 500,000 in a Single Day
MTA
Updated May 15, 2021 5:30 p.m.