NYC Fair Fares program transitions to OMNY system

New York City's Fair Fares program is switching to the MTA's OMNY fare payment system. This program offers eligible residents a 50% discount on subway, bus, and para-transit fares. Soon, participants will use OMNY cards instead of MetroCards for their discounts. Starting now, new applicants will automatically receive OMNY cards. Current Fair Fares users will get their OMNY card during their next account renewal. If someone reports their Fair Fares MetroCard as lost, stolen, or damaged, they will also receive an OMNY card. All Fair Fares participants must eventually transition to OMNY cards. However, users cannot transfer any remaining balance from their MetroCard to the new OMNY card; that balance must be spent before the card expires. With OMNY cards, Fair Fares users can tap to pay at subway stations and on all buses, including the Staten Island Railway. In January, the eligibility for Fair Fares expanded to include New Yorkers earning up to 145% of the federal poverty level. This change added about 200,000 people to the program. The switch to OMNY is part of a larger trend, as the program becomes the second major transit discount initiative to move away from MetroCards. Last year, OMNY replaced traditional Student MetroCards, allowing students to use the system 24/7. OMNY, which is a contactless payment option, is now available throughout the entire MTA network, making it easier for riders to pay their fares using cards or smartphones.