As that deadline nears, the MTA recently confirmed that all MetroCard vending machines on Staten Island have been removed.<\/p>\n
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This photo shows the space where MetroCard vending machines were removed from the Eltingville Transit Center. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.(Advance\/SILive.com | Mike Matteo)<\/p>\n
When asked if any additional OMNY vending machines would be added, a spokesperson for the agency said all planned vending machines had already been rolled out.<\/p>\n
The representative also said that customers can purchase OMNY cards from a network of retail locations<\/a>, adding that most riders use a bank card or mobile device to pay, as the tap-and-ride system does not require an OMNY card.<\/p>\n While commuters will not be able to buy or refill MetroCards, they will still be accepted. However, the transportation agency will begin phasing them out.<\/p>\n Commuters are advised to either spend down the value on their MetroCards or transfer remaining money to an OMNY card.<\/p>\n Leftover balances will be eligible for transfer or reimbursement two years from the expiration date on the MetroCard, the MTA has previously said<\/a>.<\/p>\n To help with the transition, the MTA has announced several places<\/a> where Staten Islanders can refill OMNY cards, apply to the reduced fare program<\/a>, or transfer their remaining MetroCard balances.<\/p>\n Commuters can also use the MTA\u2019s customer service centers, including the one located at the Staten Island Railway\u2019s St. George station<\/a>, to transfer card balances.<\/p>\n Later in 2026, the MTA will stop accepting MetroCards as fare payment, though the agency hasn\u2019t provided an exact date.<\/p>\n When that time comes, buses will also no longer accept coins as a form of fare payment.<\/p>\n The MTA is also ending the prepaid seven- and 30-day unlimited passes, along with the Express Bus Plus option.<\/p>\n Instead, a seven-day fare cap will be offered for OMNY. <\/p>\n Under the fare cap, commuters who pay for 12 rides within any seven-day period can ride free for the remainder of that period.<\/a><\/p>\n Fare capping will also be expanded to express bus users, with free rides coming after they spend $67 in a seven-day period.<\/p>\n The MTA first announced it would officially transition away from MetroCards in March.<\/a><\/p>\n With the transition to OMNY, the MTA said it expects to save at least $20 million annually in costs related to MetroCard production and distribution, vending machine repairs, cash collection and handling.<\/p>\n