MTA launches Fair Fares pilot with OMNY for low-income New Yorkers

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched a Fair Fares contactless payment system pilot program, according to a 6sqft New York City report.

MTA's Fair Fares program offers low-income New Yorkers who earn up to 120% of the federal poverty line 50% discounted MetroCards for subway, bus and Access-A-Ride transportation systems. The OMNY contactless payment rollout is beginning as a 90-day pilot program with 50 riders participating and providing feedback.

After reviewing the pilot program data, MTA plans to finalize a rollout for all 330,000 individuals currently participating in the Fair Fares program, according to the report.

«Transit needs to work financially for all New Yorkers. Last month we held the most expansive Day of Action for Fair Fares, because there are so may that rely on transit who do not realize they qualify for the discounted fare,» Shanifah Rieara, MTA chief customer officer and senior advisor, told the news outlet.

«This pilot is a major step in the right direction, and along with our City partners, will continue to outreach to riders in every borough so they know benefits available to them including fare capping which would give them an even better deal,» Rieara said.

Source: Kiosk Marketplace