Public transportation users in New York City should be aware of upcoming restrictions on OMNY card purchasing and reloading services this week, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) conducts essential system upgrades. While the tap-to-pay function will remain available, riders are advised to plan ahead for their fare needs.
This maintenance work is part of a broader transition toward a fully digital fare payment system, marking a major step in modernizing urban transportation.
The MTA announced that specific OMNY card services will be temporarily unavailable from 10 p.m. on Friday until 7 p.m. on Sunday. During this 45-hour period, passengers will not be able to buy new OMNY cards or add value to their existing cards. This temporary suspension is necessary to carry out critical digital infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving reliability and efficiency across the entire transit network.
Despite these restrictions, the tap-to-pay feature — which allows riders to use their OMNY card, a contactless credit/debit card, or a digital wallet directly on fare readers — will remain fully functional on subways and buses.
Riders who rely on OMNY cards for daily travel are strongly encouraged to purchase or reload cards before 7 p.m. on Friday to avoid potential disruptions over the weekend. OMNY cards are available at MTA vending machines, select retail locations, online platforms, and customer service centers, giving riders multiple options to prepare in advance.
Tap-to-Pay Unaffected During OMNY Upgrade
These upgrades are part of the MTA’s ongoing commitment to providing a seamless and modern travel experience for millions of New Yorkers. After the upgrade is complete, officials noted there may be a brief one- to two-day delay in processing OMNY fares. However, passengers are reassured that no overcharges will occur during this reconciliation period.
Important benefits — such as free transfers between lines or transit modes, as well as free rides earned through the 7-day fare cap program — will be accurately applied once the system fully syncs. This clarification aims to ease concerns about potential billing inaccuracies and maintain rider confidence in the fare system.
These system improvements are crucial to address and prevent recurring OMNY processing delays experienced by some passengers recently. The upgrades are a proactive measure to ensure smoother operations as the MTA approaches the full retirement of the MetroCard.
The iconic MetroCard, a staple of New York City transportation for decades, is scheduled to be discontinued by December 31, 2025, marking the end of an era and the complete adoption of OMNY as the city’s sole fare payment method.
Fare Hike and Digital Transformation Ahead
This shift is more than just a payment technology upgrade — it represents a fundamental transformation toward a more efficient, technologically advanced public transit system.
Looking ahead, fare prices are also set to change, with subway and bus rides increasing to $3 per trip starting in January. This fare hike, recently approved by the MTA board, reflects ongoing operational costs and investments in system improvements.
As New York City’s public transportation system continues to evolve, these changes highlight the dynamic nature of urban infrastructure and the ongoing effort to balance service quality with financial sustainability. Residents are encouraged to stay informed to navigate the system effectively.