The Short Answer: Is OMNY or MetroCard Better?
As of late 2023, the MTA updated OMNY to a rolling 7-day fare cap, resolving the previous ‘Monday-to-Sunday’ confusion. Both OMNY and the 7-day Unlimited MetroCard now cost $34 for a 7-day period. OMNY is best for 7-day flexibility, while the 30-day Unlimited MetroCard ($132) remains the only option for monthly savings.
Navigating the fare gates of the New York City transit system can be daunting. Before you decide how to pay, ensure you have mastered the basics with our The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the NYC Subway Like a Local.
The ‘Monday-Sunday’ Cap Confusion Explained
For a long time, the biggest drawback to OMNY (the MTA’s ‘One Metro New York’ contactless system) was its rigid timing. Unlike the 7-day Unlimited MetroCard, which begins the moment you first swipe it, the OMNY cap was locked to a calendar week. If you started your trip on a Friday, you could never reach the 12-ride threshold before the cap reset at midnight on Sunday.
The Modern Rolling Cap
The MTA has since fixed this. OMNY now operates on a rolling 7-day basis. Your ‘fare cap’ period begins the moment you first tap your phone, smartwatch, or credit card. This makes OMNY just as flexible as the physical 7-day MetroCard, with the added benefit of not having to pay $1 for a new plastic card.
The Math: When Does it Become ‘Unlimited’?
The math for the New York City subway is relatively straightforward once you know the thresholds:
- Single Ride: $2.90
- 7-Day Cap/Unlimited: $34.00 (Breaks even at 12 rides)
- 30-Day Unlimited: $132.00 (Breaks even at 46 rides)
Why the 12th Ride is Special
With OMNY, you pay $2.90 for your first 11 rides. On your 12th ride, you are only charged $2.10 to reach the $34.00 limit. Every ride after that—until the end of your 7-day window—is free. This ‘Best Fare’ technology ensures you never pay more than you would for a weekly pass, provided you use the same device or card for every tap.
When Should You Still Use a MetroCard?
Despite the convenience of OMNY, there are two specific scenarios where the MetroCard is still the winner:
1. The 30-Day Unlimited Need
If you commute every day, the 30-day Unlimited MetroCard at $132 is the most economical choice. Currently, OMNY does not offer a monthly cap. If you use OMNY for four weeks, you will pay $136, which is $4 more than the monthly card.
2. Commuter Rail Transfers
If you are transferring from the LIRR or Metro-North and utilizing specific joint-ticket deals, a physical MetroCard is often still required. However, for the standard ‘subway in new york city’ experience, OMNY has become the gold standard.
