The newly launched OMNY payment card for students is bringing a new level of flexibility to transportation. In fact, the introduction of this card has led to a remarkable 36% increase in subway ridership among students in the first month of this academic year compared to the same period last year.

“This flexibility is crucial, and it marks the biggest shift from the previous MetroCards,” said Janno Lieber, chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Unlike the old student MetroCard, which only provided three free rides between 5:30 AM and 8:30 PM on school days, the new OMNY card significantly expands options for students, enhancing both convenience and affordability.

At a recent city council meeting, John Benson, senior executive director of the Office of Pupil Transportation, highlighted the impressive 36% rise in public transportation usage among students during the first month of school compared to last year. According to the Department of Education’s budget, the OMNY card is set to benefit approximately 500,000 to 600,000 students across the city. If each student swipes their card four times a day, the total cost for these OMNY cards could climb into the billions, delivering substantial financial advantages to the student community.

However, the program has not been without its challenges. Currently, students living less than half a mile from their school are not eligible for the benefits of the OMNY card. Benson mentioned that including these underserved students would necessitate issuing an additional 500,000 OMNY cards, effectively doubling the program’s scope at a considerable expense.

Right now, the OMNY card is a physical card, which has led to some complaints regarding damage or loss. In response, city officials have announced plans to launch an OMNY mobile app for the 2025-2026 school year, enabling students to use their phones for transportation. Until that app is available, students who experience issues with their cards can apply for replacements through their schools.