OMNY is all the talk in NYC right now, especially with the news of MetroCards disappearing by the end of 2025.
With the contactless payment form ready to fully takeover by the year’s end, many New Yorkers are already adapting now, by setting up OMNY accounts and even purchasing shiny new OMNY cards!
But did you know the MTA offers reduced fare OMNY cards for certain New Yorkers? That’s right, a select group of locals are eligible for this benefit which offers half off ($1.45) rides on subways, local buses, and the Staten Island Railway.
We’ll walk you through the highly-talked about program and how you can apply for one today.
Eligibility requirements for reduced-fare OMNY cards
Before you get too excited, keep in mind that reduced-fare OMNY cards are only available to certain New Yorkers who qualify.
Two groups of people are eligible for reduced-fare OMNY cards:
- Elders – anyone age 65 or over
- Disabled New Yorkers – anyone with a qualifying disability including: receiving Medicare benefits for any reason other than age, serious mental illness and receiving Supplemental Security Income, blindness, deafness or hearing loss, ambulatory disability, cognitive disability, other physical disability
How to apply for a reduced-fare OMNY card
If you are eligible for the reduced-fare OMNY card, there are a couple of ways to apply. You can do so either in person or by mail. Full details below.
In Person
One way to apply for the reduced-fare OMNY card is by doing so in person.
New Yorkers can either visit Customer Service Centers at select subway stations, the Customer Service Center at 3 Stone St in Lower Manhattan on weekdays, or Mobile Sales vehicles that roam NYC helping with sign ups.
Most times, individuals 65 and older and sign up and receive the card the same day, and if you have a disability you can receive in-person, individualized assistance.
When signing up in person, don’t forget your essential documents! This includes a valid ID and disability documentation (if applicable).
By Mail
The other way to apply for a reduced-fare OMNY card is by mail.
To do this you need to start by downloading the correct application which differs for people over 65 and for people with disabilities.
Once the application is filled out, attach a passport-style photo, copy of ID, and proof of disability (if applicable) in with the application. Final step, mail it in to the address below:
MTA New York City Transit
Attn: Reduced Fare Program
130 Livingston St
Brooklyn, NY 11201-9625
If applying by mail, expect the card to arrive within 2 – 3 weeks.
If I have a reduced-fare MetroCard, do I need a reduced-fare OMNY card?
Yes, you need to make the switch!
As mentioned previously, MetroCards (including reduced-fare MetroCards) will be phased out by the end of 2025, so if you want to continue using a physical card, you must switch to a reduced-fare OMNY card.
If you’re an existing Reduced-Fare MetroCard customer, a reduced-fare OMNY card should have been shipped to you already (if you haven’t switched to using a card or mobile device). If you haven’t received it yet, call 511 to inquire.
Once you obtain your reduced-fare OMNY card, the best way to transition from MetroCard to OMNY is by using the last amount on your MetroCard before you start using OMNY.
If needed, you can transfer the balance between a Reduced-Fare MetroCard to a Reduced-Fare OMNY card at the same three locations listed above in the “apply in-person” section.
How to refill your reduced-fare OMNY card
Once you obtain your reduced-fare OMNY card, there are a few different ways to load money onto it. Cash, credit, or debit are all accepted! See all options below:
- Add money at an OMNY vending machine in a subway station (full list here)
- Make a free OMNY account online and load funds (sign up here)
- Reload at a participating store in NYC (full list here)
- Talk to MTA’s Mobile Sales team near you (full routes and times)
- Call the OMNY Call Center at 877-789-6669