JULIAN MACIAS
MetroCard sales ended on December 31, 2025. Cards already in circulation are still accepted into 2026. The MTA has not announced the final day they will be accepted. Remaining balances can be transferred to an OMNY card.
This page explains everything you need in plain English (updated December 2025).
1. What is OMNY?
OMNY = One Metro New York. You simply tap your phone, smart watch, or contactless card on the round black reader at every turnstile and bus.
No more swiping. No more paper tickets.
2. What Can You Tap? (2026)
- iPhone or Apple Watch (Apple Pay / Express Transit)
- Android phone or Wear OS watch (Google Pay)
- Contactless credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
- OMNY physical card (buy at subway stations or stores – $5 + load)
Download OMNY APP iOS | Download OMNY APP Android
3. 2026 NYC Subway fare and Fare Cap
Pay-as-you-go automatically gives you the best possible fare:
PATH, AirTrain JFK, and the Roosevelt Island Tram accept OMNY. AirTrain JFK is a separate $8.75 fare at Jamaica and Howard Beach. It does not count toward the subway weekly cap.
Use the same phone or card each time so the AirTrain discounts apply: rides are capped at $43.50 in any 30 days, and a group of up to five tapping within five minutes pays $8.75 for the first rider and $4.50 for each extra rider, up to $26.75.
After 12 paid subway and local-bus rides in a rolling 7-day period, using the same phone or card, additional rides in that period are free. At the $3 base fare, that caps the week at $35.
4. How to Register (Optional but Recommended)
- Go to omny.info or download the OMNY app
- Create account & add your card/device
- Benefits: see ride history, get refunds if overcharged, protect balance if phone lost
5. Reduced Fare & Special Cases
- Senior (65+) & disabled → 50% off if you apply for Reduced-Fare OMNY card
- Students → Free or half-fare OMNY card via school
- PATH + AirTrain JFK now accept OMNY too (separate $8.50 AirTrain fee still applies)
6. Step-by-Step: First Ride with Your Phone
- Double-click side button (iPhone) or hold watch/back of Android to wake wallet
- Tap on the OMNY reader – green check + “Go”
- That’s it – no need to unlock phone if Express Transit is on
7. Pair This Guide With the New Map
Now that you know how to pay, grab the latest routes:
→ NYC Subway Map 2025 – Official Updated Version + Download
Frequently Asked Questions (Dec 2025)
- Do I still need a MetroCard? Only until mid-2026 on some buses. After that → OMNY only.
- Can family members share one phone? No – each rider needs their own device/card for the cap.
- Does it work offline? Yes – tap works even with no signal.
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