It’s the end of an era for New York City commuters.
This December marks the final month for using the MetroCard, as the OMNY system is set to take over public transportation. So, it’s about time for New Yorkers to start transferring their MetroCard balances to OMNY.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is discontinuing mobile vending vehicles that previously aided with MetroCards, which means commuters will need to learn about the new tap-and-ride system and get their balance transferred.
You can transfer your existing MetroCard balance right up until the expiration date marked in the upper left corner. Still, the MTA advises that it’s best to make the switch or utilize your balance before that date.
By December 31st, commuters must adopt an OMNY card to access all subway stations, MTA buses, the Staten Island Railroad, Hudson Rail Link, the Roosevelt Island Tram, and the AirTrain services.
Getting an OMNY Card
OMNY cards are available for purchase or reloading at OMNY vending machines found in most subway stations or select retail locations like Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven across the city. You can also reload online through your registered OMNY account.
Transferring MetroCard Balance to OMNY
According to the MTA, any remaining MetroCard balances can be transferred or refunded for up to two years after your MetroCard expires. However, transfers can only be done in person—either at a customer service center or through MTA mobile vending vehicles. Digital transfers are not an option.
When and Where to Transfer Balances
Here’s a list of locations for New Yorkers to transfer their balances.
Thursday, December 4th
Manhattan:
- Turtle Bay, 47 St & Second Ave, 1-3 p.m.
- Carnegie Hill, 92nd Street Y, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Kips Bay, 28 St & Second Ave, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- East Harlem, 106 St & Second Ave, 1-3 p.m.
Bronx:
- Bartow Mall on Co-op City Blvd, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, December 5th
Manhattan:
- Upper West Side, 96 Street & Broadway, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Upper West Side, 86 Street & Broadway, 1-3 p.m.
Queens:
- Forest Hills, 71 Ave-Continental Ave & Queens Blvd, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Lego Park at Mall, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
- Flushing at Main St & Roosevelt Ave, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, December 6th
New Rochelle:
- Huguenot Street at Lawton Avenue, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mount Vernon:
- August Petrillo Plaza, 1-3 p.m.
Other Dates
Following dates will also have locations to assist in transferring your MetroCard balances:
Monday, December 8th: Queens locations include Astoria (10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), Bay Terrace, and Fresh Meadows.
Tuesday, December 9th: Manhattan and Staten Island will host various locations.
Wednesday, December 10th: More options available in Manhattan and Queens.
And it continues through late December with various neighborhoods across the boroughs.
It’s crucial for commuters to act fast, as December 31 marks a transitioning point for New York’s transit system.
