This Monday the pilot plan of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) came into force, which establishes a maximum rate per week with which no passenger using OMNY will pay more than $33, if you make 12 trips in a period of 7 days. Any additional trip made in that week will be free, following the same current system of the weekly MetroCard, which has the same cost.
The pilot plan, which will last in its trial period at least four months, will offer commuters on subways and local buses, as well as those on the Staten Island Ferry, “the best possible rate” of $2.75 for each of their first 12 trips, beginning each Monday through Sunday, and if you exceed the cost of the weekly MetroCard, no OMNY customer will pay more than $33.00 per week.
“Making passengers return to public transport depends on three variables: reliability, safety and price. We’ve made it a priority to be creative on fares,” said MTA President and CEO Janno Lieber. “Transit affordability is also an equity issue, and we are committed to offering a wide range of new discounts, while ensuring the MTA maintains a strong bottom line.”
Previously, OMNY users could only tap and swipe for individual rides, that cost $2.75, frustrating commuters who typically relied on unlimited weekly or monthly MetroCards.
Unlimited weekly and monthly MetroCards, which cost $33 and $127, respectively, allow the MTA’s most frequent riders to pay in advance for an unlimited number of trips within a certain period of time, offering savings to those who spend more than 12 times a week or 33 times in a month.
And to help customers during the first few days of this pilot program, the MTA rolled out set up a help desk for customers.
MTA Customer Service Director Sarah Meyer and Customer service representatives helped answer OMNY questions Monday for customers using the contactless fare payment system and fare cap pilot program.
“With OMNY, New Yorkers have all the conveniences and weekly discounts to get back into the system,” said Meyer, adding that for “those trying OMNY for the first time, we will use every tool available to educate and help ensure a smooth onboarding process.”