MetroCard replacement, OMNY, almost here, but fare bonuses are ending

The beginning of the end is near for MetroCards, as the MTA has announced the first round of testing for their new payment system, OMNY, New York Post reports. Short for One Metro New York, contactless OMNY cards will begin being tested by agency employees starting in March, with a rollout to other MTA riders planned for May.

NFC-enabled phones and tablets, as well as credit, debit, and prepaid cards, will be able to be used to pay for fares at stations outfitted for the new technology, which currently include 16 along the 4, 5, and 6 lines between Grand Central Station and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center. OMNY cards that can be linked up to a bank account of app are due out in the next two years. MetroCards, which made their debut in 1994, are to be phased out entirely by 2023.

Speaking of fares, they aren't going up - for now, at least. The Daily News reports that a subway or bus ride will remain $2.75. On its way out along with the MetroCard, however, is the 5% bonus for purchasing multiple rides at a time, according to MTA sources.

The MTA will vote to finalize its fare plans at a meeting on Wednesday (2/27).