New York City iPhone users will soon experience a smoother subway ride payment process as the MTA is set to integrate its OMNY contactless fare system into Apple Wallet. This enhancement allows users to add a dedicated virtual OMNY card, similar to offerings in other major cities that users have enjoyed for quite some time. This step is crucial as the city phases out the aging MetroCard system. In recent years, New Yorkers have begun adapting to OMNY by tapping their contactless credit or debit cards and phones utilizing Apple Pay’s Express Transit feature.
While this system worked, it resulted in multiple $2.90 charges appearing on bank statements. Physical OMNY cards were introduced to improve the situation, but now a full digital solution is on the way. This change has been overdue, especially as Apple Wallet has supported transit cards in other cities like San Francisco, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Toronto for around six years. The virtual OMNY card, catering to both regular riders and students, is expected to be available in Apple Wallet during the last quarter of 2025.
Furthermore, users will manage their virtual card—checking balances and adding funds—through the official MTA app. The MTA aims to roll out these features predominantly by December 2025. For Android users, support for Google Wallet is anticipated to arrive around the same timeframe. Adding a dedicated OMNY card to Apple Wallet will bring convenience to NYC commuters.
It will eliminate minor charges on statements and facilitate easier tracking via the MTA app. This upgrade marks a significant modernization of the transit payment system, aligning it with practices in other urban centers and making the transition from the MetroCard more fitting for the digital age.