Master the OMNY Fare Capping System

Skip the long queues at MetroCard vending machines entirely by using OMNY (One Metro New York). You can simply tap your contactless credit card, debit card, or smartphone wallet at any subway turnstile or local bus reader to pay your fare instantly.

The real secret for budget-conscious travelers is the weekly fare cap. When you tap with the same card or smart device starting Monday at 12:00 AM through Sunday at 11:59 PM, you will automatically stop paying after your 12th ride. Any additional subway or bus trips during that calendar week are completely free.

To ensure the system tracks your rides toward the cap, always use the exact same payment method. If you switch between a physical card and Apple Pay linked to that same card, the system recognizes them as two distinct devices.