End of an era: Coins will no longer be accepted as fare payment on NYC buses

"MTA officials announced on Sept. 30 that in 2026, coins, including nickels, dimes and quarters, will no longer be accepted on NYC buses. The agency has not yet announced a date for this to take effect. However, the MTA will continue to accept coins at card vending machines in subway stations and the 2,700 local businesses that sell OMNY cards. Commuters can utilize the OMNY tap-and-go payment system with their credit cards, smartphones or OMNY cards."

"The base fare for subways, local buses and Access-A-Ride will increase from $2.90 to $3. The reduced fare will jump from $1.45 to $1.50, and the express bus base fare will increase from $7 to $7.25. Tolls on most MTA bridges will increase from $6.94 to $7.46. Meanwhile, the fee for a new OMNY card will increase to $2 once the MetroCard is no longer accepted for fare payment."

Coins will no longer be accepted on NYC buses in 2026, with no specific cutoff date announced. Coins will still be accepted at subway station card vending machines and at 2,700 local businesses that sell OMNY cards. Riders can pay using OMNY tap-and-go via credit cards, smartphones, or OMNY cards. MetroCard sales will end Dec. 31, though existing MetroCards with value will remain usable in 2026 without a stated end date. Approved fare and toll increases take effect in January: base local fare rises to $3, reduced fare to $1.50, express fare to $7.25, and most bridge tolls to $7.46. OMNY cards will cost $2 and are said to last up to five years.

Read at www.amny.com