My cousin alerted me to this story and after investigating, it is true. You won't be able to pay your fare on the bus with coins in 2026. That's if you pay your fare at all MTA has officially switched to cashless payments. You will have to use OMNI or your credit or debit card.
I've been ready for this since the beginning of 2025. Personally, I think it is a scam by MTA. Just my opinion.
I already use OMNI, in part, because I don't want to use my debit or credit card to get on the bus or subway. Using it to pay for OMNI (or the soon to be gone Metrocard) is as far as I go. I already have issues with MTA possibly double charging me with OMNI.
Personally, I think cashless payments are an easier way to track you. It may be the new way to catch fare evaders, too. On a recent ride on the Bx 6 SBS, MTA enforcers boarded the bus and checked if people had OMNI. They escorted a few riders off the bus. A month earlier on the M34, the enforcers boarded and used a device to check the OMNI card.
Older New Yorkers, who may not have a debit or credit card may have issues.
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