Can I pay with a credit card on a NYC bus?

Ditch the MetroCard: Credit Cards are Now Your Ticket on NYC Buses

Navigating the bustling streets of New York City just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) ongoing OMNY (One Metro New York) rollout. For years, New Yorkers and tourists alike wrestled with the MetroCard, often fumbling to find the correct amount or dealing with malfunctioning machines. But those days are quickly fading into the past.

The good news is, yes, you absolutely can pay with a credit card on a NYC bus! In fact, OMNY is actively encouraging it.

Forget scrambling for cash or hunting down a MetroCard vending machine. The OMNY system allows you to simply tap a contactless credit card, debit card, smart device (like your phone or smartwatch using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay), or a dedicated OMNY card at the OMNY reader located near the bus entrance.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Contactless is Key: Make sure your credit or debit card has the contactless symbol (a symbol that looks like a sideways WiFi signal). This indicates that it’s equipped with the technology needed for OMNY.
• Tap and Go: Hold your card or device flat against the OMNY reader until you see a green checkmark and hear a confirmation beep.
• Easy Integration: The fare will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card.
• OMNY Card Option: While credit card payment is readily available, you can also purchase and reload an OMNY card if you prefer. These cards can be found at various retailers and vending machines throughout the city.
• Automatic Free Transfers (with OMNY Card or Linked Digital Wallet): Using OMNY, whether a physical card or a linked digital wallet, provides automatic free transfers between subways and buses within a two-hour window. This is a significant advantage over the old MetroCard system.

Why is OMNY a game-changer?

• Convenience: No more waiting in line for MetroCards. Just tap and go.
• Simplicity: The system is incredibly user-friendly.
• Reduced Touchpoints: Minimizing contact with shared surfaces is especially important in today’s world.
• Seamless Travel: Enjoy a smoother, more efficient transit experience across the entire NYC subway and bus network.

So, next time you’re waiting for the bus in the Big Apple, leave your MetroCard at home. Your credit card (or smart device) is now your key to unlocking the city’s vast public transportation system. Embrace the future of NYC transit and enjoy the convenience of OMNY!