MTA officials announced the activation of the first OMNY card vending machines in the City on Oct. 30, including at both Fordham Road subway stations serving the 4, B and D trains. Officials said electronic OMNY cards which can be tapped rather than swiped at subway station styles provide cash customers a way to take advantage of OMNY’s financial flexibility to pay-as-you-go and never spend more than $34 in 7 days.

 

According to the MTA, installation of OMNY vending machines in all 472 subway stations will continue through 2024. In addition to the Fordham Road stations in The Bronx, other stations across the city where OMNI machines have been installed include:

• 86 St and Lexington Ave
• Atlantic Ave-Barclays Ctr
• Bowling Green
• Junction Blvd 

 

As a temporary introductory offer, MTA officials said new OMNY cards are available at $1, the same price as a new MetroCard, and also said OMNY cards last up to five years, more than three years longer than newly issued MetroCards.

 

Tap-and-go is the future of using the subway and bus system according to MTA President of Construction & Development Jamie Torres-Springer. “Allowing cash-paying customers to easily get and refill OMNY cards is a great addition,” he said.   

 

Meanwhile, NYC Transit President Richard Davey said, “Installing OMNY vending machines in subway stations makes it easier than ever for transit customers to leave MetroCard in the past and embrace the convenience of tapping, especially those who pay with cash to ride.” He added,  “Our station agents are trained and ready to support customers who make the switch to OMNY so they can start tapping.” 

 

Given there was some pushback during the pandemic against moves towards a more cashless environment, which disadvantaged low-income communities, we asked the MTA if the new OMNY cards can be purchased/topped up using cash. They confirmed that customers can use cash, credit and debit cards, and digital wallets for purchases.

 

MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara said of the OMNI card machine roll-out, “With over a billion taps, OMNY is proving to customers it is the most economical, secure, and hassle-free option to ride. As we continue to rollout new features to customers, such as the vending machines, more and more New Yorkers and visitors alike can discover the convenience of OMNY firsthand.”

 

According to the MTA, customers have tapped into the transit system more than a billion times, with the billionth tap occurring on July 26. In the latest Spring 2023 Customers Count Survey, OMNY posted 79% fare payment satisfaction rate, according to MTA officials, adding that customers have tapped into all 472 subway stations and boarded 204 local bus routes and 31 express buses. They said of the 195 countries that issue bank cards, OMNY has processed a card from every single one of them.

They went on to say that OMNY market share of full fare subway rides continues to be at 70 percent since the MTA updated its fare-capping schedule on Aug. 20.

They added that OMNY also supports reduced-fare customers who are ready to use their smart device, or contactless bank card to tap and go. Reduced-fare customers are encouraged to seamlessly make the switch from MetroCards online with the OMNY digital assistant, which is available 24/7 at OMNY.info. Customers can watch this how-to video for more information.

 

For his part, State Sen. Robert Jackson (S.D. 31) who represents parts of Manhattan and The Bronx, said in part, “Connecting our Bronx communities with cutting-edge technology is the key to a brighter future.”