MTA: 10 Accessibility Projects Complete, OMNY & Fare Hike

NEW YORK, USA – The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has significantly advanced its network accessibility by completing 10 major projects in 2025, a milestone achieved amidst a system-wide technological and financial overhaul that saw the full retirement of the MetroCard and a base fare increase to $3.00.

Main Body:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the completion of 10 key accessibility projects in 2025, enhancing access across its vast network. The work included comprehensive upgrades at seven New York City Transit subway stations and three Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations, bringing the total number of accessible stations to 154 and 117, respectively. In addition to these station-wide projects, the authority also completed 39 elevator and 32 escalator replacement projects across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. These achievements, part of the MTA’s ambitious $68 billion 2025-29 capital plan, were supported by diverse funding streams, including revenue from New York City’s congestion relief zone program.

These physical infrastructure upgrades coincided with a landmark technological shift in the authority’s fare collection system. By December 31, 2025, the MTA officially retired its iconic MetroCard, transitioning the entire system to the OMNY contactless payment platform. This move requires all riders to use a credit card, phone, or a new OMNY card for tap-and-go fare payment. The transition is supported by new, wide-aisle fare gates, supplied by OMNY technology partner Cubic, which are designed not only to facilitate accessibility for all passengers but also to mitigate fare evasion, a significant revenue concern for the agency.

The extensive capital investments and technological modernizations are set against a backdrop of evolving financial strategy. To fund these and other critical projects, the MTA implemented a series of fare hikes effective January 2026, raising the base fare for subways and buses to $3.00. While increasing costs for riders, the MTA has also sought to improve affordability for frequent users by making its 7-day rolling fare cap permanent. This policy nexus—investing in accessibility, deploying modern technology to secure revenue, and adjusting fares—highlights the complex balancing act required to maintain and upgrade one of the world’s largest legacy transit systems.

Key Takeaways

• Accelerated Accessibility: The MTA is actively expanding accessibility, with 10 projects completed in 2025 and at least 66 more planned under the current capital program.
• Technological Overhaul: The full retirement of the MetroCard in favor of the OMNY system marks a complete modernization of the MTA’s fare payment infrastructure.
• Integrated Financial Strategy: Capital improvements are being financed through a combination of innovative funding sources like congestion pricing and traditional measures such as fare increases.

Editor’s Analysis

The MTA’s parallel push for physical accessibility and digital transformation offers a critical case study for legacy transit operators globally. While many agencies tackle these challenges sequentially, the MTA is executing them simultaneously, demonstrating a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Integrating massive capital works with a complete overhaul of the passenger-facing payment system and a contentious fare hike is a complex undertaking. Success in this multi-front modernization effort could provide a blueprint for other major metropolitan networks grappling with aging infrastructure, evolving passenger expectations, and persistent funding gaps. The key will be whether the tangible benefits of improved accessibility and payment convenience are sufficient to maintain public support in the face of rising costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many MTA subway stations are now accessible?
As of the end of 2025, there are 154 accessible subway stations in the New York City Transit system.

What is the new base fare for the NYC subway?
Effective January 2026, the base fare for a single ride on the NYC subway or bus increased to $3.00.

Can I still use a MetroCard on the subway?
No. The MTA fully transitioned to the OMNY contactless payment system at the end of 2025. The last day to buy or refill a MetroCard was December 31, 2025.