MTA Expands OMNY Vending Machines Across NYC Subway System

New York City –  In a continued effort to modernize New York City’s public transportation, the MTA has rolled out OMNY vending machines to dozens of subway stations, bringing the new payment system one step closer to replacing the MetroCard. Commuters across the city can now purchase OMNY cards at 87 train stations, a significant increase from the initial pilot program launched last year.

The new vending machines are located in crucial transit hubs such as Penn Station, Grand Central, Times Square, and Atlantic Avenue/Barclays Center, as well as smaller stations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. However, Staten Island is not yet included in the expansion. 

With 201 machines now operational, the MTA aims to make OMNY more accessible for riders as it phases out MetroCards. These machines allow commuters to buy and reload OMNY cards using cash, credit, debit cards, or digital wallets. Like the MetroCard, an OMNY card costs $1 and has a lifespan of up to five years—two years longer than the newer MetroCards. Riders can also check balances and reload their cards at the machines or online after registering them.

According to an MTA spokesperson, the full rollout of OMNY vending machines to all 472 subway stations was initially planned for 2024 but has been pushed to mid-2025. In the meantime, many New Yorkers are embracing the transition to the new system.

A daily commuter, Elena Quinones, shared her positive experience with OMNY: “I was hesitant at first, but now I love it. I have it set to refill automatically, and it works seamlessly for transfers.”

Similarly, Carolyn Ryden switched to OMNY after her MetroCard malfunctioned. “It’s been a few months, and OMNY is much easier for me. I can tap the card, refill anytime, and I don’t have to worry about finding a vending machine at the last minute,” she said.

Along with the OMNY card, commuters can use the convenient tap-and-go option with their debit or credit cards or digital wallets at turnstiles and buses. This feature has been available citywide since 2020.

Despite OMNY’s growing popularity, MetroCards are still available for purchase, though some users have reported issues with malfunctioning machines. Staten Island commuters, who still lack access to OMNY, continue to rely on MetroCards for now, though many are expected to make the switch once the system is fully implemented.

For a complete list of stations where OMNY vending machines are now available, commuters can visit omny.info.

**Key Stations with OMNY Vending Machines:**

– Penn Station

– Grand Central Station

– 34th Street-Herald Square

– Times Square

– Atlantic Avenue/Barclays Center

– Fordham Road in the Bronx

– 74th Street/Broadway in Queens

– Jay Street/MetroTech in Brooklyn

The Midtown Times will continue to follow updates on the MTA’s OMNY rollout and its impact on New Yorkers’ daily commutes.