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MTA says OMNY cards can’t be bought or loaded this weekend, but riders can still tap to pay fares
By
Verónica Del Valle
Published Oct 3, 2025
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Rajji Vikram / Gothamist
By
Verónica Del Valle
Published Oct 3, 2025
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The MTA will limit some OMNY card services over the weekend as the agency prepares to completely phase out MetroCards at the end of the year.
MTA officials said they will be upgrading the digital payment system from 10 p.m. Friday through 7 p.m. Sunday, but riders will still be able to tap to pay bus and subway fares. During those hours, riders won’t be able to purchase new OMNY cards or reload cards they already have with more money.
OMNY cards are currently sold at MTA vending machines, select retail locations, online and through the MTA’s Customer Service Centers. The agency is advising customers to buy new OMNY cards or reload existing cards before 7 p.m. Friday to avoid delays.
While commuters will still be able to tap to pay transit fares over the weekend, all charges associated with OMNY will take a day or two to be processed after the system update is completed, according to officials.
"Please rest assured that you will not be overcharged while the system catches up after the upgrade is completed," the MTA wrote on its website. "Your free transfers will be free, along with any free rides earned during your 7-day fare cap period."
Transit officials said the upgrades are necessary to prevent OMNY processing delays like the ones riders have experienced in recent months. The last day of MetroCard sales and distribution is scheduled for Dec. 31, 2025.
Subway and bus fares are set to rise to $3 per ride in January after the MTA board approved the hike this week.
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new york city
omny
transportation
Verónica Del Valle
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