mikecintel

1 hour ago, mikecintel said:

I went to the MTA website for meeting and still it is not posted. https://new.mta.info/transparency/board-and-committee-meetings/may-2021

I think it will  be in June 2021 on the 23rd because I think in January when I saw the book it says update OMNY in June 2021.

UPDATE:  Now they have just upload it and here it is https://new.mta.info/document/39671

I just download it and read it and the next update for OMNY is in June and after that it will be in December 2021.  Oh well June will be here next month in a blink of an eye.

15 hours ago, RestrictOnTheHanger said:

Tomorrow should be the release of the May board books, which should contain a 6 month OMNY update. While a few public facing materials were released since this post, those matched the timeline above. 

Lets hope the update is a good one. 

I went to the MTA website for meeting and still it is not posted. https://new.mta.info/transparency/board-and-committee-meetings/may-2021

I think it will  be in June 2021 on the 23rd because I think in January when I saw the book it says update OMNY in June 2021.

24 minutes ago, Amtrak41 said:

I have not been in the subway system since just before the pandemic. If there any place in the stations to check the balance on your OMNY card without using the turnstile, just as there is for Metrocard ? 

No there is no way to check your OMNY card at  the turnstile and you have to create an OMNY account at omny.info.  Right now there is no OMNY card available (MTA own proprietary card coming soon from the MTA this year I think summer or the fall at retail store and pharmacy chains and grocery stores).  Do you mean your credit,debit, or bank card for OMNY?  Soon there will be OMNY machines installed later this year or next year and you can check your OMNY card from the vending machines just like now with the Metro Card.

While I was searching about any updates on OMNY and I ran into this article where they talk about security open and close loops in OMNY and the link is here and also a PDF https://transitcenter.org/publication/do-not-track-a-guide-to-data-privacy-for-new-transit-fare-media/

5 hours ago, BillAv said:

Do you have inside information?

On a related note, the OMNY site has a link to a poll.  One of the first questions is about OMNY usage, i.e. what would it take for you to use it.  Then it goes into how often you rode pre-pandemic, how much you ride now, etc.  I encourage anyone who wants unlimited fares to take the survey.

Transit survey

They also have questions regarding subway safety, which I appreciated.

No I don't have inside information but it was listed in the Board and committee meeting PDF.  The link is here https://new.mta.info/document/33751

June Overall Capital Program Rolling Stock OMNY Quarterly Traffic Light Report

Then also in December the final one I think for this year:

December Overall Capital Program Integrated Megaprojects OMNY Quarterly Traffic Light Report

Thanks about the survey.

Hi Everyone,

I can't wait until June 23,2021 because there will be an OMNY update and ;let's see what happens then.  Only 3 MORE to go!. But hey we are half way there already.

1 hour ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

Probably illegal swipes...

I see.

1 hour ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

No, that's no the reason why. One board member said it's because they think there's too much abuse with them. That sort of talk got a lot of pushback. 

I see. How would there be too much abuse? When it was pre-covid I always use it for work and going to school and visiting my friends. Isn't the point of an unlimited Metro card you can use it whenever you want or need?

36 minutes ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

My point was there could be an array of options. Keep in mind we were just casually talking about it at a meeting. I forget how it came up, but that was back in early 2019 that we discussed that.  The reality is the board members are still talking about what to do and what are the best options. That is why I've been advocating hard to bring back the monthly express bus pass because with OMNY now they have a number of options they can explore to entice riders to use the system. Now they are facing another dilemma, and that is what will ridership look like once the pandemic is over? Will office workers be going in five days a week? Not so sure. Using myself as an example, we have been closed going back to last year. I go to the office as I need to, once or twice a week, and work from home the other days, and I like it like that. Certainly not using a weekly pass much, but if they don't have people coming back and using the system, they are going to be in a world of hurt, that much I know.

I see yes true.  For me currently I am working at home and my organization said the IT department is planning for us to go back in August 2021.  I like working at home and at least I don't have to travel to Brooklyn back and fourth for a total of 2 hours.  Yes about the weekly pass a lot of people are not buying it because like you and I and other people are working from home.  So that's why the MTA wants to "eliminate the monthly passes" because people are going into the offices less.   True if and when the pandemic is over if people are going to ride the transit again assuming people will not be laid off during the pandemic.  We are in tough times right now so I do understand what the MTA is going through.

3 hours ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

lol Just an acquaintance. He is on the  Board and is involved with Government and Community Relations, so he deals with all of the advocacy groups, including mine.  I was surprised to learn that there are a few people at the  in a similar role, but anywho he is my main contact, and if not him, then I reach out to others.

To answer your question though, we'll have to wait and see because it seems like the rollout has been pushed back to later this year because of COVID. The reality is there is no one consensus on some of these things, and so they are making decisions as they go along. This has been the case from the very beginning. When I asked them a few years ago in a meeting, the answer was we honestly don't know how we're doing everything. We're going to wait and see. Because they have so many options now compared to the Metrocard (OMNY is an open platform) they are taking their time. They could do a number of things... You could provide passes - they will exist obviously with the senior reduced cards. You could provide capped fares where you get free rides once you have paid a certain amount, and so on. 

Thanks for the update.  Ahh ok yes because of COVID.  I though I got it wrong because I remember seeing the presentation they were talking about that,  I wish they had the OMNY card next like original planned but with COVID everything change ugh.  So it like a "look and see approach".  Got it.  Yes just like now with OMNY along with the Metro Cards (providing passes exist with the senior reduce cards until it phases out like the Metro Card.  Yes speaking about capped fares I don't know how people react to that and some people would like it.  My own opinion I don't like capped fares because if you think about it the MTA is kind of like "forcing you to use there card or your own device or credit card to get that a certain amount then you have the whole month FREE or something.  It's not FREE and if you keep using it then it's like the unlimited cards that we have now.  What happens if user's don't use that certain amount and then they won't get "FREE" rides then.

1 hour ago, Amtrak41 said:

So then a physical OMNY card (cannot be a Bank card)  is required to get senior fares ?

Will it require your photo ?

Can it be done by snail mail ?

Good Question because when my mom went to get her senior card last turned 65 and I went with my mom and I asked the rep regarding about OMNY and they don't know and for people who are seniors the MTA will send out a notification informing the changes as it will change to OMNY.   I asked them the same question are you are asking like the photo requirements ad can it be done by snail mail and they said I don't any information as of yet and we will let you know by mail when the changes comes.  Hopefully tomorrow we will have all the answers because Via Garibaldi 8 will ask his friend who works in the MTA and he might know all the answers that we are questing and I guess his friend has the "inside info".

12 minutes ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

I have to reach out to one of my  contacts about something, so I will ask on Friday if I can get them.  They've been out on vacation last I checked.

Ok thanks please update us on what happens.

OK Found it! This is from the Nov 18, 2020 board meeting:

Program Status – Schedule
Phase 2: Completion on budget and
on schedule December 2020
• All bus and subway validators installed
Railroads
• Completion moved back due to COVID and change in RR operations
• Phase 3: Feb 2021 June 2022
• Phase 4: March 2022 June 2023
NYCT
• Phases 3/4 completion moved back due to COVID
• Phase 3: Feb 2021 pushed back to September 2021 - Physical OMNY Cards & Reduce Fare for seniors
• Phase 4: March 2022 pushed back to February 2023 - In System Sales
Good news: No impact to Phase 5 Substantial Completion July 2023

7 minutes ago, rwes said:

I’m also curious about mobile app. Anyone aware of any news around that?

The mobile app right they didn't say anything assuming it would come out the same time as the physical OMNY cards.

18 minutes ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

I don't know what you're talking about. Supposedly, there may be a physical OMNY card out in February.

Sorry what I meant was the physical OMNY card has been pushed back until June if I remember correctly because of COVID. If I remember correctly by September reduce fares will be available and somewhere in August the physical OMNY card will be available.  Unless if they reverse it back February then I don't about because I did listen to their meetings back I think last year in October.  Let me check my sources because I did hear they pushed back.  Oh yes the Capital meeting mention this from Jan 21st meeting:

June (2021)Update on OMNY Program Update on Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Participation Quarterly Traffic Light Report

December(2021) C&D Capital Program Update Update on OMNY Program Quarterly Traffic Light Reports

10 hours ago, Amtrak41 said:

Nothing new for 3 weeks.

 

I wish there is something new but I think we have to wait until the Summer because by then they have the physical OMNY card out by the Fall think if I am not mistaken.  Hopefully in the Summer there will be an update about more Fare options like reduce fare, student fares etc.

1 hour ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

 

There's really no other way to do it. I have been speaking with the  about the plan going back to the first meeting we had in 2019, so the understanding was always to roll out things in stages, study the reliability and security issues and move on from there. Everyone wants everything in place right away, but even the  is not sure because of the first two things I mentioned. No point in rolling out anything else unless security and reliability issues are addressed, so they have had to go back and address those concerns. For example, I was hearing of drivers complaining about being charged because the range of the readers was too far. That of course had to be adjusted. Now they'll have time to make tweaks since some people will continue to prefer Metrocards.

While OMNY cards will come online later this year, things like time-based passes are not clear yet. They are basically going along as they go to see what makes the most sense.

I see. Yes I agree with security reliability issues first.  Yes about time based passes because the MTA wants to eliminate the unlimited cards so if that goes then there is no time-base cards.  I would not prefer to use the Metro Card such a hassle because of miss swipe etc.

8 hours ago, RestrictOnTheHanger said:

Normally that is how it's handled elsewhere. Bank cards are always full fare, reduced and time based fares (except capping) are on a transit card. 

Then again this is an account based and most modern system so who knows. 

I see.  Thanks I learned something new.  Didn't know that.

1 hour ago, NewFlyer 230 said:

Is OMNY payment accepted on Queens buses now? The last few buses I’ve been on have OMNY readers that no longer display coming soon but instead reads “Tap Here”. 

I’ve also noticed that the old payment sticker that’s by the front door has been replaced with an OMNY sticker on various buses. 

Yes it is accepted on all Queens buses now.  If it says "Tap Here" then it is working.  The last time I was on a Queens bus I didn't see that sign perhaps they are slowly changing it now.

1 hour ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

That's exactly what will happen. 

I guess you have the "inside info" then.

16 minutes ago, Amtrak41 said:

How will one get their Contactless Debit card to work for senior fare ? 

Good Question I think they will have different colors (if they make a physical OMNY card dedicated to seniors) for example Blue would be adults and Orange would be for seniors.  I wonder if they have to take a pictures currently like the Metro Card though ugh...what a pain that is.  The question is to be seen....So exciting with all these questions.

28 minutes ago, BillAv said:

Any word on how soon the fare options might be rolled out?  It doesn't make financial sense to drop my Metrocard until this happens.  I also like the flexibility of the unlimited card.  I make my own transfer points; instead of taking a train a couple of stops out of the way to make a transfer, I'll leave the system and walk a block or two.  I take shortcuts through the subway; my favorite being able to enter the Port Authority on 9th Avenue (pre-pandemic) and walking to Times Square completely indoors.  Great on bad weather days.  Sometimes I leave a staton through the wrong turnstile and realize that I'll have to cross a busy street (like Queens Blvd) to get where I'm going.  Nope!  I swipe back in and leave the way I meant to.  Can't go OMNY until this happens - unless Unlimited gets dropped entirely.

About the Rolling fare options I am not sure because they didn't even say but I am sure pretty soon.  Will post here when the new fare options are announced  Yes it's up to you if you want to drop it but unfortunately I lost my Metro Card when I went to Costco and pulled out my membership card to scan when I was paying my groceries and now I don't have a Metro Card.  Now I work from home so there is no need for me to pay the unlimited.  It is the Pay Per Ride and I had $20.00 .  I called the MTA to see if they can reissue me the card or put back the $20 since I pay with my Credit card and the said no.  We only do that for the unlimited cards and the unlimited express buses.  There goes my $20.00 I am sure who ever picks up my Metro Card it will help them out especially now during COVID pandemic.  I had $55 on the card.  So now I have to start using the NEW OMNY with my credit card.  Oh well...  I hope the MTA dose not eliminate the unlimited but if they do they can go to "Fare Capping" method where you ride a certain number of rides and you get it free for the month of the equivalent of an unlimited card.

37 minutes ago, Amtrak41 said:

Will there be a fee for such a physical card, and will they all be reloadable, or some not or tourists ? 

Good Question for your first question about the fees I heard (When OMNY was being built they were talking about a $6 fee to purchase the card)  My prediction is $6 but it could be less or more.  It's expensive if you think about it just for plastic.  I don't know how much it will be.

In other countries for smart cards like Canada they charge $6 for the card in Vancouver BC called COMPASS ($6 CAD deposit **but** it REFUNDABLE which is good) Toronto called PRESTO $6CAD deposit NON refundable not good).  Chicago (Ventra) charges $5 USD to get the card.  Boston (Charlie card) can get the card FREE from customer service agent. NICE! Salt Lake City Put whatever amount on the card PLUS $3.00 one time fee so I guess the one time fee in SLC is the purchase the card price. San-Fransisco (clipper card) is $3 before it was FREE. Los Angels $2 for card and additional to add money to the card.  If MTA wants to promote the OMNY card they should give them out FREE for a limited of time and then it will be charged just like SF.

Hopefully MTA will follow other countries or states but I doubt the MTA will have a deposit where it is REFUNDABLE like if you are leaving NYC and moving to other states or countries you are good to go. They refund you whatever the price they charge you will be.

For your second question YES it's re loadable just like the metro card.  They will begin to install the vending machines and I think you can use the machines to reload the money just like we do now. For the third question that is a  Good question about tourist because I don't know but then other people come to NYC and they have smartphone/credit/debit card they could use.  The purpose of OMNY is that besides convince. 

Happy New Year Everyone,  May 2021 brings us happiness and joy this year and many good things to come this year. 

Also we have the fare options that will be available soon and don't forget the the OMNY app.

6 minutes ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:

Yeah, if there are any buses with no reader on them, if they're express buses, I'm happy to reach out about them to have them fixed. They've been fairly quick with taking care of things of late.

I see.  Yes the good thing is they take care of it fairly quick.