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MTA Sets Dec. 31 End to MetroCard Sales as OMNY Usage Hits 87%

Officials cite a cloud migration easing payment delays, with new service centers to assist riders.

Overview

  • Subway ridership reached about 4.56–4.6 million on Thursday, the busiest day since COVID, with roughly 90% tapping to pay.
  • The OMNY contractor shifted processing to the cloud in early October, which the MTA says virtually eliminated backlogs and sped up charge postings.
  • Thirty customer service centers will be open by year-end, with more agents and the 511 line available for transition support and billing questions.
  • MetroCard swipes will continue to work into 2026, with the final shutdown date still to be announced.
  • OMNY applies a weekly fare cap granting free rides after 12 taps within seven days when the same device or card is used.