Other cities already have transit systems that allow riders through fare gates with the tap of a card, or even a phone. Now the most expansive subway system in the United States is joining the club.
Emma G. Fitzsimmons reports from New York City:
Cities like London and Chicago have embraced tap cards and smartphone payments while New Yorkers still stand at turnstiles trying to swipe their MetroCard at the precise slow, but not-too-slow, speed to avoid the dreaded “Please swipe again.’’
Now New York is finally getting a modern “tap-and-go” fare system that will make other cities jealous.
The system, called One Metro One New York (OMNY for short), launched in May at a handful of select stations, but a full roll out is expected to be complete by the end of next year. The system will also be built into the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, the two commuter railroads operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, by 2021.
According to Fitzsimmons, the system is drawing positive reviews from riders, representing a rare bright spot for the beleaguered system.
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