METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New York MTA Launches Contactless Payment System on Hudson Rail Link

As with New York City Transit’s subways and buses, OMNY will allow Hudson Rail Link users to participate in the MTA’s seven-day fare capping program.

New York MTA Launches Contactless Payment System on Hudson Rail Link

Hudson Rail Link users will now be able to join riders of the other services to tap and go with their smart device with a digital wallet, such as a phone or watch, contactless credit or debit card, or OMNY card. 

Photo: OMNY

2 min to read


The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that the authority’s contactless payment system, OMNY, has expanded to the Hudson Rail Link, Metro-North Railroad’s connecting bus service in the Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil sections of the Bronx. 

OMNY, the fare payment system for New York City Transit, expanded to AirTrain JFK and the Roosevelt Island Tram last year. 

Ad Loading...

Hudson Rail Link users will now be able to join riders of the other services to tap and go with their smart device with a digital wallet, such as a phone or watch, contactless credit or debit card, or OMNY card. 

As with New York City Transit’s subways and buses, OMNY will allow Hudson Rail Link users to participate in the MTA’s seven-day fare capping program. Customers’ first tap into the system will start a seven-day period in which customers will never pay more than $34, the cost of a weekly unlimited MetroCard. Customers will be charged $2.90 for their first 11 rides, and $2.10 for their 12th ride. The 13th and all subsequent rides are free for the rest of the seven days.  

“Riders in Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil have been asking for OMNY on the Hudson Rail Link and today we’ve answered that call with the full rollout of the contactless payment system on this Bronx transit service,” said MTA Chair/CEO Janno Lieber.“Contactless fare payment remains the fastest way for subway, bus, and now Hudson Rail Link customers to pay their fares and move around the City and throughout the region.” Customers in Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil depend on the Hudson Rail Link to access the Metro North Railroad car-free," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "Integrating this system into OMNY means faster passenger boarding and quicker commutes and moves the MTA towards a full rollout of contactless payments throughout our system." 

New York MTA Shares OMNY Data

Transit customers have used OMNY to tap into the transit system more than a billion times, with the billionth tap occurring on July 26, 2023. 

In the latest Spring 2023 Customers Count Survey, OMNY posted a 79% fare payment satisfaction rate. Customers have tapped into all 472 subway stations and boarded 204 local bus routes and 31 express buses. 

Ad Loading...

Of the 195 countries that issue bank cards, OMNY has processed a card from every single one of them. On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the New York City subway recorded 2,918,691 paid rides, the highest number of weekend rides since the pandemic – 58.5% of all rides were OMNY tap-and-go customers, a single-day record. 

OMNY's market share of full-fare subway rides continues to be at 70% since the MTA updated its fare capping schedule on Aug. 20.

More New Mobility

A Merchants Fleet driver putting gas in a vehicle with text reading "6 Transit Management Lessons For Colleges and Universities."
New MobilityJune 15, 2026

6 Transit Management Lessons for Colleges and Universities Facing Seasonal Demand Swings

College transportation demand swings wildly throughout the year. Fleet strategies are starting to catch up.

Read More →
Driving Change Through Technology
Technologyby Alex RomanJune 12, 2026

METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility

From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
METROspectives episode with Joshua Schank
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 29, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, the co-author of New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies, discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
Biz Briefs for May 29, 2026

Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More

From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An EMBARK bus going down the street.
Managementby Alex RomanMay 28, 2026

Inside Look: EMBARK Expands Fare-Free Transit Program Through New Public-Private Partnership

The OKC transit agency says sponsorship helps subsidize the Third Friday Free initiative while reducing barriers for first-time riders and boosting ridership across buses, streetcars, and river cruises.

Read More →
thumbnail for 2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
SponsoredMay 27, 2026

2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory

Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.

Read More →
A Heliox charger on KC Metro property

King County Test Heliox Chargers, Keolis Lands California Contract Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Trinity Metro On Demand Vehicle
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Via Announces Scheduling and Supply Studio

The Scheduling and Supply Studio provides the world’s first fully integrated platform for optimizing vehicle and driver availability to rider demand, said company officials.

Read More →