New York adds Apple Pay support to all subway stations, bus routes

Apple Pay is now accepted by MTA at all stations, and on all buses, across New York's five boroughs.

More than 18 months since it first trialled Apple Pay on selected subway stations, New York's MTA has completed rolling it out to all lines, stations, and boroughs. The Metropolitan Transport Authority has installed its One Metro New York (OMNY) system across its entire network, for most users.

Although Apple Pay and other contactless options are now accepted across the network, their use is limited to individual rides. It's not yet possible to pay in advance for an equivalent of the unlimited ride MetroCard pass.

"OMNY is available at all subway stations and on all buses, allowing you to tap and go throughout New York City," said MTA in a statement. "You can use OMNY with your own contactless card or smart device. OMNY currently supports a full-fare, pay-per-ride option for now, including free transfers."

In a press conference, relayed over Twitter, MTA called this "the first phase of the OMNY rollout." The plan is to entirely replace MetroCard in 2023.

MTA has been accepting Apple Pay, in particular, at selected stations since the end of May 2019. In January 2020, there were reports of extra charges as turnstiles were triggering Apple Pay Express Transit even if a user had swiped a regular MetroCard.