Apple Pay is now accepted by the MTA at all stations and on all buses in New York’s five districts.
More than 18 months since it first tested Apple Pay at select subway stations, the New York City MTA has completed rollout across all lines, stations and districts. The Metropolitan Transport Authority installed its One Metro New York (OMNY) system across its network for most users.
Although Apple Pay and other contactless options are now accepted on the network, their use is limited to individual travel. It is not yet possible to pay in advance for an equivalent to the unlimited MetroCard pass.
“OMNY is available at all subway stations and on all buses, allowing you to ring and go all over New York City,” said the MTA in a statement. “You can use OMNY with your own contactless card or smart device. OMNY currently supports a full fare and payment option per trip, including free transfers.”
At a press conference, relayed on Twitter, MTA called this “the first phase of the launch of OMNY”. The plan is to completely replace the MetroCard in 2023.
The MTA has been accepting Apple Pay, in particular, at selected stations since the end of May 2019. In January 2020, there were reports of extra charges as the turnstiles were triggering Apple Pay Express Transit, even if a user had passed a normal MetroCard.