MTA reminds riders the last day for MetroCard is December 31 as OMNY takes over buses, trains
NEW YORK (WABC) — As 2025 comes to a close, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is reminding commuters about some big, important changes taking effect in the new year.
Tap-and-ride at the turnstile is a big hit with riders. In fact, over 93% of commuters already use either an OMNY card or tap-and-pay technology.
But for the 7% of riders still clinging to the past with their MetroCards, the clock is ticking. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, commuters won’t be able to buy or reload a MetroCard, as the MTA makes its full transition into the OMNY era.
“The MetroCard is retiring, and we have been advertising that for quite some time,” MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara said. “And, you know, everyone back at the headquarters has been working for years for this moment.”
In its hopes to convert every single rider, the MTA plans to have a total of 30 customer service centers up and running around the city by Monday.
“Asking customers to visit our customer service centers that are in the boroughs in your community and transfer those balances on-site, OMNY card and submit. So, we’re making it easy and seamless and we’re waiving that fee,” Rieara said
Tap-and-ride is also expected to reduce fare evasion, especially on buses, according to MTA CEO Janno Lieber.
“When the transition to OMNY is complete, we will be able to have fare enforcement agents get on that bus and say to anybody, please show me your phone. Show me your OMNY card. Show me that you paid,” Jannor said.
But it seems there are still some kinks to be worked out with the OMNY cards used by about 20% of riders, most of whom are students and reduced-fare riders.
One couple tells Eyewitness News their card didn’t work, even as it shows a balance.
“Big bugs, nice people,” the couple said. “It’s not a people problem, it’s not the people, it’s not skill, it’s something in the technology.”
The couple’s problem was ultimately resolved, and they left happy with the help they received. Other riders, however, still need to be won over.
“They need to fix the OMNY card. It is not working properly, and people are getting robbed with the OMNY card,” subway rider Linda Rivas said.
The MTA says the technology is constantly getting updated, and they hope to soon provide balance info and ride history at the turnstile tap.
And another commuter alert for riders to consider: Starting Monday, the F and M train lines will be swapped to make rides faster in Queens.
While you may no longer be able to refill or buy a new MetroCard after the new year, riders can use one for some time to come, as there hasn’t been a specific drop dead date announced just yet.
———-
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More Manhattan news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
