New York City schools recently distributed OMNY cards to students for the 2024-25 school year. For Academy students, they are quite the step-up, but for working adults, they often aren’t as beneficial.
The new OMNY cards, equipped with four rides at any time of day, seven days a week, for 365 days, are a much needed replacement for the old metrocards. Before, student metrocards would only work from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm on weekdays, and only had three rides compared to the four rides the OMNY card provides students every day.
Senior Baraa Salama benefits from the added flexibility. “If I have an internship to go to during the weekends, then I can use my OMNY card,” said Salama.
On the other hand, OMNY cards for the average working New Yorker are different. Each subway ride is $2.90, and if twelve rides are paid for within a 7-day period, any additional rides are free.
Economics teacher Khadija Mohsin believes that while it’s great for students because it’s paid for by the DOE, she doesn’t think that it’s a sensible option for grown adults. “Not everyone has a job where they’re taking the subway five or six days a week. Free rides are conditional on how many times you’re taking it.”
When asked if she could change one thing about the metrocard system, Mohsin said, “I think I would just get rid of OMNY. I know that sounds crazy.”