MTA Contactless Payment Hits 3 Billion Taps: NYC Rail Tech Insights

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Introduction

On October 22nd, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) contactless fare payment system registered its 3 billionth tap for New York City Transit’s (NYCT) subway and bus networks, coinciding with record-high post-pandemic ridership on the NYCT subway system during the same week.

Contactless Fare Payment Milestone

The MTA’s contactless fare payment system reached a significant milestone on October 22nd. This event marked the 3 billionth tap recorded across NYCT’s subway and bus networks. The achievement occurred during a period of peak ridership.

Ridership and Tap-to-Pay Adoption

Nearly 90% of subway and bus riders currently utilize the tap-to-pay system. The MTA is working to transition the remaining 10% of traditional MetroCard users to tap-to-pay. The MTA plans to achieve this by opening additional service centers by the end of the year.

Infrastructure and Future Plans

In September, the MTA finalized the installation of 900 contactless pay card kiosks throughout the subway system. As part of this transition, the MTA will discontinue the sale of MetroCards starting in 2026.

Ridership Records

During two consecutive days in October, subway ridership surpassed 4.5 million. The previous ridership record was set during the 2024 holiday shopping season.

Conclusion

The MTA’s contactless fare payment system achieved a 3 billionth tap milestone on October 22nd. The agency is actively transitioning riders to tap-to-pay, with a goal to eliminate MetroCard sales by 2026. These developments occurred amidst record ridership levels in October.

Company Summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA): The MTA operates the public transportation in New York City, including subway and bus services.

New York City Transit (NYCT): A subsidiary of the MTA, NYCT manages the subway and bus networks in New York City.

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