METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NYCT, Visa set to launch contactless cards to ride subways and buses

Chas also worked on new system to help the MTA accept tap-to-pay for its new OMNY fare payment system.

May 22, 2019
NYCT, Visa set to launch contactless cards to ride subways and buses

Starting May 31, New York City riders can tap to pay and ride using their Chase/VISA contactless cards at select subway stations, and on all Staten Island buses.

VISA

2 min to read


Starting May 31, New York City riders can tap to pay and ride using their Chase/VISA contactless cards at select subway stations, and on all Staten Island buses. VISA

Chase customers can soon benefit from an easier way to get around town by tapping their Visa contactless cards to ride New York City's subways and buses, removing the need to stand in line to purchase or load a separate transit card.

Taking public transportation to get to and from work, school or home is a critical part of daily life but can often lead to friction for riders.

Ad Loading...
  • More than two-thirds (67%) of riders have missed a train while waiting in line to reload a transit card, according to a recent Visa survey of more than 1,000 New Yorkers who take public transportation.

  • Eight out of ten (83%) people surveyed said they have had trouble getting their transit card to work at the turnstile.

  • And two-thirds (66%) have left or forgotten funds on a transit card, at an average of $35.10 lost.

  • Customers can soon simply tap their Chase Visa contactless cards or mobile device at the turnstile to ride the subway or bus.

  • Whether a local or visitor to New York City, the rider experience is the same – fast, easy and secure.

RELATED: Visa, partners bring contactless payment to transit operators globally

Starting May 31, riders can tap to pay and ride at subway stations along the 4/5/6 lines between the Grand Central-42nd St. station and the Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center station, and on all Staten Island buses. Over time, all New York City subway lines and bus routes will accept contactless payments.

The Chase merchant services team also worked on the creation and implementation of a new payment system to help the MTA accept tap-to-pay for its new OMNY fare payment system. This allows consumers to use their own tap to pay cards and mobile wallets to travel, providing passengers a speedy experience at the turnstiles. The technology will be available to other transit systems.

The MTA is the first U.S. transit agency to implement contactless payments using Visa's global transit framework, allowing riders to use any Visa credential — whether it be a Visa contactless card, mobile device or wearable — with the same trust and security as any other payment processed on Visa's global payment network.



More Management

A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A expanse of highway in Colorado with text reading "FMCSA Tightens Clearinghouse Verification to Strengthen Driver Records."
Managementby StaffApril 30, 2026

FMCSA Tightens Clearinghouse Verification to Strengthen Driver Records

New ID requirements for employers and service providers aim to improve data accuracy and oversight for motorcoach and commercial drivers.

Read More →