New York City is about to say goodbye to a part of its transit history. For decades, riders have dropped coins into bus fare boxes, but soon that sound will disappear. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has confirmed that by 2026, New York City buses will no longer accept coins as payment.
This marks the latest step in the city’s transition to a fully digital fare system through OMNY, the tap-and-go technology that has already become common on subways and buses.
When will New York city buses stop accepting coins
The MTA has said that coins will no longer be accepted on local and express buses beginning in 2026. While an exact date has not yet been announced, the deadline is clear: coins are on their way out.
For now, riders can still use coins at subway vending machines or at one of the 2,700 retail locations where OMNY cards are sold. But once the change takes effect, buses will move entirely to contactless payment.
What will replace coins on buses
Once coins are gone, you will need to pay with one of the following:
- OMNY card: A reloadable transit card that works like a MetroCard but uses tap technology.
- Bank card: Any debit or credit card with contactless capability.
- Smartphone or smartwatch: Apple Pay, Google Pay, or similar apps will be accepted.
The MetroCard itself is being phased out and will no longer be valid after 2025, which makes OMNY the center of the system.
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Why is the MTA removing cash payments
According to the MTA, the decision is about efficiency and modernization. The OMNY system is already handling more than half of all subway and bus trips, according to Time Out. Eliminating coins will speed up boarding and reduce the amount of physical money staff must handle.
Another reason is safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MTA workers stopped handling cash to reduce risk. That practice stuck, and now the agency is moving to complete digitalization.
Concerns about the end of coins on buses
While many riders welcome the faster, easier payment system, not everyone is happy about the change. For older and low-income riders, coins have always been a reliable way to pay. Some worry that eliminating cash will leave certain groups behind.
Passenger Martine Lamarque told reporters, “Many older people won’t like this, as some are used to paying with coins and don’t trust using credit or debit cards.”
Advocates also point out that costs are rising. Jack Nierenberg of Passengers United explained, “The fee to buy an OMNY card has been increased, so passengers who now rely on coins will have to pay a lot more. How does that help them if they can’t afford to get there in the first place?”
What this change means for riders
If you are someone who still pays with coins, now is the time to prepare. Once the switch happens, you will not be able to use coins on buses anymore. Instead, you will need to:
- Pick up an OMNY card at a local retailer or subway station.
- Add money to your card online, at a machine, or at a store.
- Use your smartphone or bank card as a backup.
For riders who already use OMNY, little will change. The biggest impact will be felt by those who depend on cash for day-to-day travel.
A look back at new york city’s fare history
This is not the first time the city has said goodbye to a familiar payment method. Tokens were phased out in 2003, and soon the MetroCard will follow. For many New Yorkers, coins will join that list of nostalgic souvenirs. Staten Island rider Annmarie Murphy summed up the feeling when she said, “I love the sound the change machine made when the bus was moving.”
That sound, along with the convenience of dropping loose change into a fare box, will soon only be a memory as New York is about to move into a fully cashless future.
