The MTA plans to roll out a pilot program in May as part of its goal to replace MetroCards with devices that, in part, scan commuters' phones to let them pay for their fare, the transit agency said Friday.
WHAT'S THE TIMELINE FOR THIS ROLLOUT?
The contactless readers — already installed this week on turnstiles at the 33rd Street "6" subway station, for example — are part of the pilot system, called OMNY (One Metro New York), which would allow commuters to pass turnstiles with the wave of a cell phone, as well as with certain credit or debit cards.
The contactless readers will be available for MTA employees to test out in March before commuters in certain parts of the city can start using them in May.
The MTA said it will allow commuters to purchase OMNY prepaid cards in 2021, and an OMNY app is also being developed. Officials say commuters will be able to pay for the OMNY card with cash, as well as debit and credit cards.
If all goes according to plan, in 2023, the MetroCard will be swiped into history.
WHERE WILL THESE READERS BE TESTED?
For the employee pilot program:
- On the 4, 5, and 6 lines between Grand Central-42nd Street and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center.
- The SIM30 Express Bus route.
For the customer pilot program:
- On the 4, 5, and 6 lines between Grand Central-42nd Street and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center.
- On all Staten Island buses.
The MTA said it will expand OMNY to cover all subway lines, bus routes, and commuter rail stations over the coming months.
The MTA initially announced the MetroCard's replacement in October 2017.