One of the most useful MetroCard features may soon be making its way to OMNY users.
Although our iconic yellow cards will soon be a thing of the past, some of their most helpful functions may live on.
Longtime riders will remember the familiar “balance screen” that appeared with every swipe, instantly showing how much money remained on the card. Now, it appears this feature could eventually find its way to OMNY cards as well.
With the introduction of OMNY’s new unlimited ride fare cap, some riders have been unsure whether the system is properly tracking their trips and applying the benefit when it should.
While it’s possible to check balances and trip history through the OMNY app, that’s not always convenient—especially for New Yorkers rushing between trains, juggling bags, or navigating spotty cell service.
MTA Deputy Chief Jessie Lazarus said:
We heard from tap and ride customers who want better visibility into their trip history and some help building a little trust that this new unlimited ride fare cap is giving them free rides. Frankly, we agree.
Many of these concerns were addressed during an MTA board meeting in September, where officials outlined the next steps in the city’s transition from MetroCards to OMNY.
With less than a month remaining to purchase or refill a MetroCard, now is the time for riders to prepare.
To help make the switch as seamless as possible, we’ve assembled a set of guides covering everything you need to know about the new system—including how to get an OMNY card, transfer any remaining balances, and access fare options on your phone.
Below, you’ll find resources to help you adapt to the new era:
- General guide to the switch
- How to get an OMNY card
- How to transfer your remaining MetroCard balance
- How to receive a student OMNY card
As the MetroCard era comes to a close, these guides can help ensure a smooth transition to the MTA’s modern, tap-and-go fare system.