Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, launch expanded Student OMNY cards

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Public Schools Chancellor David C. Banks, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber have announced updates to improve accessibility and affordability for eligible students using public transportation.

Starting from the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, students will receive Student OMNY cards instead of MetroCards, which have been distributed to students citywide since 1997.

The new Student OMNY cards will be valid 24/7, 365 days a year, with up to four free rides per day. This expansion allows for more flexibility in student travel, as they were previously limited to three free rides per day only from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM and on days when their school was open.

The introduction of these expanded Student OMNY cards aims to provide assistance to working-class families who may need additional support to afford transportation in the city. It will be especially beneficial for families where older siblings pick up younger siblings from school or where students have after-school and summer jobs to help financially. This initiative builds upon the ongoing efforts to make New York City more accessible and affordable for young people and low-income residents. The city has been working to improve accessibility across various modes of transportation, including subways, ferries, and greenways.

The launch of Student OMNY cards is expected to increase access to public transit for students, allowing them to explore the city and take advantage of all that New York has to offer. The program aims to teach students the value of the transit system and promote its usage beyond their school years.

By providing students with tools to use public transit seamlessly, it aims to demonstrate that the system is easy, efficient, and cost-effective.

The Student OMNY cards will be valid on various modes of transportation, including subway lines, buses, the Staten Island Railway, the Roosevelt Island Tram, and the Hudson Rail Link.

Students will also receive free transfers between different modes of transportation. Additionally, students will keep the same card for the entire year, including the summer months. The distribution of the cards will be handled by individual schools across the five boroughs, and promotional flyers outlining the benefits of the program will also be provided.

This announcement aligns with the Adams administration’s commitment to improving accessibility and affordability in New York City. In the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget, the administration partnered with the City Council to invest an additional $20.7 million in the “Fair Fares NYC” program, expanding eligibility for half-price fares to individuals making 145 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The budget also included $11 million to provide free MetroCards to participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program, who are now eligible for free two-month Citi Bike memberships. Other initiatives launched by Mayor Adams include a greenway expansion and the NYC Ferry Forward discount program.

The implementation of the Student OMNY card program has been praised by various New York State Senators and Assemblymembers, highlighting its potential to enhance convenience, improve school attendance, and provide students with opportunities for success.

Overall, this expansion of the Student OMNY card program aims to make transportation more accessible and affordable for New York City students, providing them with the tools and flexibility they need to navigate their schoolwork and extracurricular activities throughout the year.