Starting the 2024-25 academic year, New York City students will enjoy free subway rides without time restrictions.
Mayor Eric Adams, alongside Schools Chancellor David Banks and MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, announced the updated transit program on Thursday, July 25th.
The initiative introduces student OMNY cards, offering four free rides daily, usable any time of the week.
Previously, student MetroCards permitted only three rides per day and were restricted to 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on school days.
This change marks a departure from these limitations, extending access to weekends and summer months making the transit system fully accessible year-round.
Mayor Adams, in a statement, said, “These expanded student OMNY cards are a gamechanger for families across New York City, particularly for working-class families that need just a little more help to afford our city — families where older siblings pick their younger brothers and sisters up from school, or where kids have after-school and summer jobs to help make ends meet.”
He added, “This builds on the work we’ve done to make our city more accessible, particularly for young people and low-income New Yorkers. From our subways to our ferries, to our greenways, we’re making it easier and more affordable to get around New York City.”
The program aims to make New York City more accessible, especially for young and low-income residents. It extends beyond subways to include ferries and greenways, enhancing overall mobility.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber highlighted the educational aspect of the program, saying, “The student OMNY card program makes it even more convenient for kids to use the public transit system, teaching them how indispensable it is to New York City.”
Schools Chancellor David Banks expressed his enthusiasm for the program: “I’m thrilled about the launch of student OMNY cards because expanding access to public transit means more and more students will have opportunities to explore our city and experience all that New York has to offer.”
The distribution of OMNY cards will commence at the start of each school year, ensuring all eligible students can benefit from the program, as confirmed by the Mayor’s Office.
