After multiple delays, the rollout of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority Apple Pay support to all buses and subway stations in the city via its OMNY contactless fare payment system is finally complete.
The system is compatible with iPhone 6s and SE or later running iOS 12.3 and an Apple Watch running watchOS 5.2.1. A debit or credit card needs to be associated with Express Transit in Apple Wallet, using Face ID or Touch ID.
To use the system, hold the phone or watch up to the display and you’ll hear a beep and see a big “Go” on the screen, and a “Done” message on your device.
PMNY tap-and-go fare payment with Apple Pay Express Transit support became available at one of New York City’s major transportation hubs, Penn Station in December 2019. A number of other stations were added in early 2020. The full rollout was delayed due to the pausing of new digital readers installation in late March.
Currently, OMNY only works for individual rides, and cannot be used to pre-pay for unlimited ride passes.