‘Tap and go’ to be introduced on NYC subway

New Yorkers will soon have the convenience of contactless payments on their city’s subway network.

OMNY (One Metro New York), the new contactless fare payment system, aims to make life easier for the 1.7 billion passengers that pass through the city’s turnstiles each year.

The contactless technology is currently being tested by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and is due to be phased in from May 2019.

Though an exact date hasn’t been confirmed, the MTA’s Deputy Communications Director, Shams Tarek, said that some card readers have already been installed and that the gradual rollout is “moving along”.

Initially, customers will be able to use a contactless card or smart device to tap and go at subway stations on the 4, 5, and 6 lines between Grand Central-42 St and Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr.

All Staten Island buses will also be equipped with the new technology.

Mastercard is working with Cubic Transportation Systems, the company behind TfL’s Oyster card and Chicago’s Ventra card, to deliver the ambitious project.

“Transit is an important catalyst for quick and broad adoption of contactless,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, Executive Vice President, US Merchants and Acceptance, Mastercard. “There are technologies that need to be integrated both at the device level and infrastructure level. Mastercard is deeply engaged with cities, their transit authorities and integrators in bringing new products and solutions to support their payments transformation.”

Up to now, New Yorkers were reliant on the MetroCard, which often led to long queues when buying or topping-up. Some commuters also had issues when swiping their card, leading to missed connections and longer journey times.

Contactless payments on public transport have exploded in popularity in recent years, with dozens of major global cities making the switch.

Half of all tube and rail pay-as-you go commutes in London are made using contactless payment cards or mobile devices. After the system’s launch in Vancouver, one million contactless journeys were made in the first two months.

Matt Cole, President of Cubic Transportation Systems said: “Globally, the majority of all urban transportation is paid in cash, which can mean long lines at ticket stations and machines, missed trains and delays on buses. For consumers, contactless technology provides a seamless, secure experience that moves people through stations and onto buses without friction. For transit authorities, the increased speed can expand ridership, reduce dwell times and operational costs.”

The MTA plans to phase out the MetroCard completely by 2023.