We are evolving with technology and providing our students with OMNY tap-to-go passes for subway and city buses. Schools will distribute OMNY cards this Fall 2024. This will allow eligible students to get to and from school and school-related activities for free—and ride for free on weekends and all year, too!
About Student OMNY Cards
Student OMNY Cards are:
- Distributed exclusively by your school. You can’t get a Student OMNY Card from the MTA.
- Good for 4 free rides each day. You can tap a Student OMNY Card whenever you want to take up to 4 free trips every day of the week, any time of the day.
- This includes a free transfer between the subway and local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses, or a free transfer between buses.
- Valid all year long. Your Student OMNY Card doesn’t expire until the next school year.
If you’ve used Student MetroCards in the past, you should know that Student OMNY Cards give you more free rides with fewer limits. Student OMNY cards can be used:
- All day (not just certain hours)
- Every day of the year (not just school days)
- Every day of the week (even on weekends and over the summer)
- All year long (your OMNY card is valid for the entire school year and the summer)
Your Student OMNY Card is for you—and only you! Don’t share it and risk having your pass confiscated.
Remember to always tap for your rides. Your tap tells the MTA how many people ride from every station and helps improve service.
Getting help with Student OMNY Cards
If your card is lost or stolen, let your school know right away. They’ll deactivate your old card and get you a replacement.
If your card isn’t working when you tap it, ask a station agent or bus operator for help. If your card still doesn’t work, return it to your school for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the Student OMNY Card?
How many rides can I get with a Student OMNY Card?
- You can take up to four rides a day.
When are Student OMNY Cards valid?
- It can be used 24 hours a day, all year long, including weekends, holidays, and even during summer break!
Can I make transfers?
- Yes; the same free transfer rules that apply to Student MetroCards also apply to Student OMNY Cards. You get one free transfer within two hours of tapping in at an OMNY Card reader, and you may transfer from subway to bus, bus to subway, or bus to bus.
Where can I use my Student OMNY Card?
- Student OMNY Cards can be used to ride on MTA subways, MTA buses (local, limited, and Select), Staten Island Railways, the Roosevelt Tram, and the Hudson Rail Link.
How and when can I get my Student OMNY Card?
- New York City Public Schools will start distributing Student OMNY Cards beginning in September 2024. Contact your school's Parent Coordinator to learn more.
Am I eligible to receive a Student OMNY Card?
- Check out our "Transportation Eligibility" page to learn more—generally speaking, if you qualify for a Student MetroCard, you should receive a Student OMNY Card in its place beginning in September 2024.
What do I do if I lose my card or need a replacement?
- Contact your school's Parent Coordinator to get you in touch with your school's Transportation Coordinator—please do this as soon as you are able in order to discuss next steps.
Can I store my Student OMNY Card in a digital wallet?
- Not currently—we'll let you know if anything changes!