With the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) phasing out the MetroCard payment system by ending new sales and reloading of MetroCards as of Jan. 1 for its commuter rail, subway and bus systems and switching to the OMNY contactless fare payment system, Westchester County’s Bee-Line bus system decided it would be implementing the MTA’s OMNY system as of Jan. 4.
Earlier this year, the MTA announced that the final day for MetroCard sales and distribution was to be Dec. 31. The MTA’s Tap and Ride payment system allows riders to pay fares directly with digital wallets, contactless credit and debit cards, and OMNY cards.
The MTA still will be accepted for fare payments via MetroCard into 2026 with the date on which MetroCards no longer will be accepted for paying fares still to be announced.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced that as of Jan. 4 the county’s Bee-Line bus system was to be accepting MTA OMNY cards for fare payments in addition to moving to Tap and Ride using credit cards, smartphones, and smartwatch technology. At the Liberty Lines depot in Yonkers on Dec. 29 Jenkins tested an OMNI card on one of the Bee-Line buses that had been outfitted with new electronic fare reading devices and it worked as intended.
“Westchester deserves a transportation system that reflects how people live and travel today,” Jenkins said. “The launch of OMNY gives Bee-Line riders a faster, more reliable way to board and pay, while ensuring no one is left behind during the transition. I’m proud of this important step forward as we continue to invest in modern and accessible transportation for all residents of Westchester County.”
Jenkins characterized the move as a significant step in modernizing the county’s transportation system and enhancing the passenger experience.
Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie added, “The launch of OMNY brings real-time benefits to riders like quicker boarding, contactless transactions and simpler transfers. Just as important, we are providing options for those who still pay with coins, so the system works for everyone.”
Even with OMNY’s official Jan. 4 launch, Bee-Line riders can continue using MetroCards on Bee-Line buses as long as the card is not expired. However, Dec. 31 was the last day for reloading MetroCards with funds. MetroCard holders can transfer any remaining balances on a MetroCard to an OMNY card.
Bee-Line fares are adjusted as of Jan. 4 to align with MTA’s new fare rates. The changes include a 25-cent increase to the base and on-board cash fare, a 15-cent increase for reduced fares for seniors and people with disabilities and a separate adjustment for the BxM4C express route. Aligning fares allows Bee-Line riders to continue receiving free transfers between Bee-Line buses and MTA subways and buses and to benefit from the seven-day OMNY fare cap of $35 for unlimited trips, excluding the BxM4C. The fare cap for reduced-fare riders is $17.50.
Liberty Lines Transit President Thomas Murphy said, “Our staff has worked closely with the county to support the installation and launch of OMNY for Bee-Line riders. The new fare payment option is designed to enhance convenience and modernize the boarding process, contributing to an improved overall payment options and experience for the many customers who rely on the Bee-Line system each day.”
