Best way to ride the subway now?

[Anonymous]

We are planning a long weekend in NYC (from DC). Two parents and three kids so hoping to use the subway for cost. All kids are over 44” so have to pay but don’t have phones/credit cards of their own.

What’s the best way now that they aren’t selling fare cards? MTA website wasn’t helpful to choose the best way for tourists/kids. OMNI card for each kid, while DH and I each use our phone/credit card to tap to pay?

[Anonymous]

We bought an OMNY card for my youngest on one trip. But we parents have backup credit cards and DH and DS1 had iPhone with ApplePay so I think we made do with phones and parent cards on the next trip.

My younger did drop my credit card plate but we found it. So give them out and collect them back if you share them.

My experience was that the credit card billing was accurate on both trips. Which was a relief to confirm.

[Anonymous]

You can actually have several people - up to 4 - ride on the same credit card or phone; it will keep track of multiple trips and dole out multiple transfers, I tap my kids in with my one phone all the time. The only limit is that the weekly fare cap only applies to the first rider.

Per https://omny.info/faq/detailed-information-on-omny:

Can I still pay for multiple riders with OMNY?

Yes. You can use the same payment method to pay for yourself and up to three additional riders on a single trip. Tap once for each rider—each tap will be charged as a full fare and has its own free transfer.

Important Notes:

If it’s your first time using a card or device with the OMNY system, you may need to wait about a minute before you can tap again. Learn more within the “First ever tap?” section.
You must tap all four riders at the same OMNY reader to retain free transfers. Tapping at a different reader—even in the same station or bus—will forfeit those transfers.
For groups larger than four, use multiple payment methods to ensure everyone receives free transfers.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

[Anonymous]

You can also purchase an OMNY card and use that. Or use a prepaid credit card and don't put very much money on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

I live in NYC and ride the subway most days, all over the place. OMNY is very easy and fast to use with your phone, and there is a dedicated OMNY card if you prefer not to use a phone or regular credit card. And not that you shouldn't be diligent, but most people on the platform or train at any given time will be looking at their phones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

I know what you mean. I am in DC and just laugh to see the signs about now I don't need a card just use my phone. Sure....no way. Even alone, I could drop it and crack the screen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

Oh FFS. Everyone uses their phone to get on the subway. Put it away after and deal with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

This is hysterical. New Yorker here. Everyone is taking out their phone but you think the ‘criminals’ who will be loitering in midtown want your boomer phone? Got it.

[Anonymous]

I use the bus mostly but either subway or bus, phone. Everyone has their phone out. No one is swiping it on the subway. There are cops around

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

Wherever you live sounds horrible. Or maybe you’re just paranoid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

I know what you mean. I am in DC and just laugh to see the signs about now I don't need a card just use my phone. Sure....no way. Even alone, I could drop it and crack the screen.

I’m from DC and it never occurred to me not to use my phone. I’m no more likely to drop it paying my fare than I am talking on it or looking something up. And anyway, that’s what a decent quality phone case is for.

On both Metro in DC and the PATH in NY/NJ I use my phone to pay for both myself and my DC, no problems. I’d do the same on the subway if necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

I know what you mean. I am in DC and just laugh to see the signs about now I don't need a card just use my phone. Sure....no way. Even alone, I could drop it and crack the screen.

I’m from DC and it never occurred to me not to use my phone. I’m no more likely to drop it paying my fare than I am talking on it or looking something up. And anyway, that’s what a decent quality phone case is for.

On both Metro in DC and the PATH in NY/NJ I use my phone to pay for both myself and my DC, no problems. I’d do the same on the subway if necessary.

I've also used my phone to use public transportation in Amsterdam and London without issues.

[Anonymous]

We paid with our phone. You can scan more than once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but there needs to be another way. I am not willing to take out my credit card OR phone while in a subway station - that's a great way to get them stolen. I live in a different city and never have my phone out when I go onto mass transit or am waiting on the platform.

Lol. The city may not be for you.