MTA moves closer to phasing out Metrocards
LOWER MANHATTAN (WABC) -- The transition from Metrocard to 'tap-and-go' moved closer to the finish line on Friday as the MTA made OMNY cards available to their reduced fare riders.
Roughly two out of every three transit riders are already using the MTA's 'tap-and-go' system, known as OMNY.
The technique is easy to master and virtually any credit card works.
Riders can also get an OMNY card, which works just like a credit card.
It's been around since 2021 and on Friday, the MTA made OMNY cards available to their reduced fare riders - seniors and the disabled.
"It is the largest single group that has not been truly on the OMNY system up to now," Janno Lieber, MTA Chairman, said.
Before card readers, riders needed a unique coin to enter the subway and the token booth was the only place to buy one.
Then in the early 1990s, the MTA replaced tokens with Metrocards.
"It's lighter than carrying a lot of tokens," one rider said back then.
After three decades, OMNY is the agency's not so subtle effort to phase-out the Metrocard.
Until now, reduced fare riders had to register their credit cards to get their tap-and-go discounts. The MTA is mailing OMNY cards to registered users and accepting in-person applications at their customer service center in Lower Manhattan.
"Every bit makes a difference. You know, it's a step in the right direction," Doug Goodman, Manhattan resident, said.
But just like the subway token, the Metrocard has become an unlikely icon of New York, valued by collectors and others who turn them into art.
Or guys like Tommy Washington, who just can't let go.
"I'm old school, it works. You know, you can't keep changing things. Like I say, if something works, leave it the way it is," Washington, a Bronx resident, said.
As the end of Metrocards approaches, a dozen different stations are dispensing 75,000 limited-edition passes this month.
You can find those vending machines at the following subway stations:
Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer
Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave-JFK Airport
Court Sq-23 St
Fordham Road
Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center
Bedford Ave
125 St
Grand Central-42 St
34 St-Penn Station
Delancy St -Essex St
Fulton St
14 St-Union Square
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