It’s long been a New York City icon, and now the subway is shaking things up a bit (along with the city’s bus system). Helping to keep things simple and stress-free, new tap-and-go technology will allow travellers to pay their fare by tapping their smartphone or contact-less credit or debit card. No need to frantically dig out your MetroCard in a hurry!

Set to be utilised at 16 subway stations and on every bus in Staten Island, the new OMNY system (One Metro New York) will see special ‘big blue readers’ installed at turnstiles and bus entrances. Only a full-fare, pay-per-ride option will be on offer initially – perfect for couples visiting The Big Apple on a romantic getaway.

With the goal of going MetroCard-free by 2023, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will also enable mobile ticketing in the OMNY app next year and release a contact-less transit card in 2021. OMNY vending machines are also expected to be installed at subway and rail stations in 2022. In the meantime, MetroCards are still available for use alongside the new tap-and-go system.

To find out more about New York’s new contact-less fare payment system, visit the OMNY website here.