January 28, 2025
Washington Heights residents can now take advantage of expanded MTA services at the 168th Street subway station (A/C/1), where the first 400 customers who transfer their MetroCard balances to OMNY will receive a free OMNY card.
To confirm availability, please contact OMNY Customer Service at 877-789-6669 (daily, 6 AM–10 PM).
The offer is part of the MTA’s ongoing transition to OMNY tap-and-ride technology, which is replacing the MetroCard system. Customer Service Centers (CSCs) at select stations now provide services that were previously only available at the MTA’s Lower Manhattan headquarters at 3 Stone Street.
What’s the Offer?
The first 400 full-fare customers at each participating Customer Service Center who transfer their MetroCard funds will receive a fee-waived OMNY card. A station agent will load your remaining MetroCard balance onto the new OMNY card on the spot.
Manhattan Locations with OMNY Cards Available
- 168th Street (A/C/1) — Washington Heights
- 96th Street (1/2/3)
- 59th Street–Columbus Circle (A/B/C/D/1)
- 14th Street–Union Square (4/5/6, N/Q/R/W, L)
Mobile Sales Vehicles Visit Washington Heights
Can’t make it to a Customer Service Center? MTA Mobile Sales Vehicles regularly visit Washington Heights neighborhoods to help riders transition to OMNY. Recent stops have included:
- 168th Street & Broadway (Broadway & Amsterdam Ave)
- 181st Street & Broadway (Broadway & Audubon Ave)
- 155th Street & Amsterdam Ave
Mobile Sales Vehicles can help you transfer your MetroCard balance, purchase or reload OMNY cards, and apply for Reduced-Fare programs. Schedules are subject to change—call 511 before visiting or check the MTA Mobile Sales schedule for current times and locations.
What Do Customer Service Centers Offer?
CSCs bring a range of services directly to neighborhoods across the city:
- OMNY Transition Assistance — Help switching from MetroCard to tap-and-ride
- Reduced-Fare Support — Assistance for current Reduced-Fare MetroCard holders switching to OMNY, plus applications for first-time Reduced-Fare customers
- Fair Fares Enrollment — Help signing up for the city’s low-income transit discount program
- Complaints & Updates — Information on how to submit complaints and receive travel delay updates
- Wayfinding — Help navigating the transit system
The centers feature enhanced accessibility, improved lighting, branded wrapping, and dedicated staff trained on OMNY equipment. Most locations are staffed 24/7.
Discount Programs Available
Reduced-Fare Program (Seniors & People with Disabilities)
If you’re 65 or older or have a qualifying disability, you’re eligible for half-price fares. Seniors can apply in person at the 168th Street Customer Service Center and receive a Reduced-Fare OMNY card the same day. Learn more at mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus/reduced-fare.
Fair Fares NYC (Low-Income Riders)
New Yorkers ages 18–64 with income at or below 145% of the federal poverty level (about $22,000/year for individuals) qualify for 50% off subway and bus fares through Fair Fares NYC. Fair Fares is now fully available on OMNY, and enrolled riders benefit from a $17 weekly fare cap. Apply at ACCESS NYC.
For more information about OMNY, visit omny.info or call OMNY Customer Service at 877-789-6669 (daily, 6 AM–10 PM).