The New York City Transit Subway has set a new post-pandemic ridership record, with more than 4.5 million riders on two consecutive days this week, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) also reported surpassing three billion taps on its contactless fare payment system.
“With significant progress in safety and reliability this year, it’s no surprise that we are breaking yet another ridership record on the subway,” Governor Hochul said. “To top it off, the increased convenience riders now have to tap and go is paying real dividends. Reaching major milestones for tap and go and daily ridership in the same week is the latest proof that the investments New York has made in mass transit are helping the lifeblood of New York City thrive.”
The subway saw 4.52 million riders on October 22 and 4.55 million on October 23, surpassing the previous record set on December 12, 2024. The MTA also celebrated its three billionth tap using the OMNY contactless payment system. The milestone tap was made by Russell Levy at the 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station.
This achievement follows the installation of 980 OMNY card vending machines across all 472 subway stations in September as the MTA prepares to phase out the MetroCard. Currently, about 87 percent of subway and bus trips are paid using the Tap and Ride technology.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Three billion taps is undeniable proof that New Yorkers are ready for a new era of fare payment. Tap and Ride, like the MetroCard did 30 years ago, opens the door to new discounts and promotions that will strengthen transit affordability — no speed arithmetic required.”
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow stated, “As the fastest, simplest, and most convenient way to pay your fare, tap-and-ride has been a game changer for Transit riders who’ve now chosen it as their payment method three billion times. And while bittersweet for some New Yorkers to bid farewell to the MetroCard, we strongly encourage riders to switch to the payment system of the future now to ensure a seamless transition.”
MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara added, “Nearly 90 percent of riders made the switch and we’re ramping up efforts to reach the last 10 percent of holdouts. This includes opening more Customer Service Centers by the end of the year to provide riders more in-person opportunities in their neighborhoods to ask questions and address any concerns, and make the overall transition as smooth as possible.”
Russell Levy, who made the three billionth tap, said, “This was definitely new for my day — wasn’t expecting this one. We use the subway every day, we use it multiple times and love to tap and use OMNY.”
The MTA previously announced that MetroCard sales will end on December 31, 2025, with acceptance ending in mid-2026. The OMNY retail network has grown to 2,700 locations—more than twice as many as MetroCard partners. Riders can use digital wallets or contactless bank cards directly at turnstiles without needing an OMNY card.
The transition is expected to save at least $20 million annually by reducing costs associated with MetroCard production, vending machine repairs, and cash handling. Contactless payment is also designed to make it easier for customers to access new promotions and fare discounts.
The Tap and Ride system features fare capping, allowing customers using digital wallets or contactless cards to automatically receive free rides after reaching a certain threshold within a seven-day period. Unlike MetroCard users, customers do not need to pre-pay for unlimited rides or risk losing unused value.
The MTA Board recently approved changes expanding seven-day fare capping to express buses starting next year. Express bus customers will pay no more than $67 per week for unlimited rides on express buses, local buses, and subways. The OMNY seven-day rolling fare cap will also become permanent after being piloted since 2022.
Additionally, customers can now track their trip history and charges at OMNY.info. By mid-2026, all self-service tools available online will be integrated into the MTA app.
