MTA Director Misses Monthly MetroCard Fare Details
MTA Director Jano Lieber seemed unsure about the current monthly MetroCard price during a recent discussion, claiming that commuters are benefiting from the new tap-to-ride OMNY system, which might be more expensive.
The old MetroCard system is set to be completely replaced by the end of this year with the new pay-as-you-go OMNY system. “You don’t need $100 on hand to cover your monthly fare,” he stated on WNYC’s Brian Lehrer Show, even though in reality, the unlimited monthly pass costs $132.
While the OMNY system offers flexibility, the weekly cost is capped at $34. This could translate to an annual expense of around $1,768, which is nearly $200 more than the current price of an unlimited pass.
“People really appreciate the benefits,” Lieber said, acknowledging earlier challenges with software issues in the new system.
Questions posed to MTA representatives regarding some of Lieber’s comments went unanswered.
Despite some concerns, Lieber maintained that the transition to OMNY would be seamless. He mentioned that a significant majority of riders, about 90%, are already using the new system.
The MTA will stop issuing new MetroCards by the end of 2025, allowing passengers to exchange their remaining cards for OMNY credits in the early part of next year.
Lieber called the changes “fair progress,” suggesting that riders wouldn’t need to pre-purchase unlimited rides. He explained, “If you take 12 rides within a week, the remaining days are automatically free.”
Lieber compared the transition to the OMNY system to the introduction of the MetroCard when subway tokens were phased out in the early ’90s, which he said was a “better deal” for riders.
He acknowledged a certain nostalgia some riders have for the older MetroCards, recalling the special “Biggie Smalls” designs. “We’re going to celebrate that nostalgia,” he noted, referencing an upcoming MetroCard-themed event with food from popular local vendors.
However, reactions from listeners suggested skepticism. One anonymous commenter expressed feeling like they were being charged much more without the option of a monthly flat rate.
Reiterating how the unlimited pricing operates, Lieber insisted that OMNY represents a simpler approach. His nonchalant responses about fare increases at a past public hearing raised eyebrows, especially when he seemed dismissive of a rider’s budgeting concerns over minor increases.
Looking ahead, the new pay-as-you-go weekly cap will rise to $35, which could lead to an annual cost of $1,820 if riders frequently hit the cap.
A caller named Eric from Brooklyn questioned Lieber about the allocation of funds. Lieber, who has been with the MTA since 2021 and earns over $400,000 per year, stated that a large portion of the budget goes towards wages. He also invited anyone interested to delve into the agency’s financial records, noting the accessibility of their data online.
