NYC straphangers have tapped into subways via OMNY 1 billion times

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Last edited Fri Jul 28, 2023, 07:33 AM - Edit history (1)

NYC straphangers have tapped into subways via OMNY 1 billion times

Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

By Catalina Gonella
Published Jul 26, 2023

The MTA announced on Wednesday that customers have tapped into the system using the OMNY fare payment system more than 1 billion times.

The agency commemorated the exact moment the milestone was reached on Wednesday morning with a news conference at the 74th Street-Broadway station in Jackson Heights, Queens. Health worker Candida Alfonso was honored as the billionth tapper at the station, where she usually catches the 7 train.

“I’ve been using my OMNY card since 2020,” Alfonso said in Spanish. “I’m an essential worker taking care of sick patients in their homes for the last 10 years, and I’ve used the OMNY card during the pandemic to not touch the machines.”

The MTA first announced the completion of the OMNY rollout to all stations at the end of 2020. Customers have used OMNY to tap into all 472 subway stations, as well as 204 local and 31 express bus routes, according to the MTA.

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[bucolic_frolic]

1. I can't even use credit cards for parking meters

Don't know if I'd survive a big city transit system.

[IbogaProject]

3. This system is touch

The card has to have the radio wave symbol on it. There is an OMNY card which can be bought for $5, has a long lifetime and can be reloaded for free at stores and check chasing places. It seems NYC MTA is looking to exit handling cash. The final transfer over is slated for the end of 2023.

[Mz Pip]

2. I use it all the time in NYC

I just wish it was available for the airtrain at the airport. It’s annoying having to by a separate card.