NYC students say OMNY card problems are leaving them stranded
Students who live more than half a mile from school are eligible for OMNY cards, which provide free rides on public transit. But some say the cards, which are made of paper, are easily damaged and don’t always work.
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New York City public school students are calling for improvements to the city’s student OMNY program.
Students who live more than half a mile from school are eligible for OMNY cards, which provide free rides on public transit. But some say the cards, which are made of paper, are easily damaged and don’t always work.
Now, a group of students from the Transportation Alternatives’ Youth Activist Committee has been pushing for changes. They’ve raised concerns with city agencies and education officials about issues ranging from card durability to long replacement wait times.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) says lost, stolen or damaged cards can be replaced through schools. But students and parents say that the process can take weeks and sometimes schools run out of replacements.
“When my card was damaged, I had to wait three weeks to get a new card,” said Juniper Wang, a student activist.
Students also report that their cards are being deactivated without warning. And with a limit of four rides per day, some say they are forced to pay out of pocket for additional travel.
Advocates are also calling for broader access to the program. Students who live less than half a mile from school, as well as those who receive yellow bus service, are not eligible for OMNY cards.
“That’s hundreds of thousands of kids who can’t get to sports practice, internships or jobs just because they live too close to their school,” said Alexa Sledge, a Transportation Alternatives spokesperson.
Some advocates say the program’s shortcomings may even contribute to fare evasion.
Students and parents raised these concerns last week at a Panel for Educational Policy meeting, where members passed a resolution calling for improvements to the student OMNY system.
The Department of Education said it takes the panel’s recommendations seriously but noted that any changes to the OMNY program involve multiple agencies, as well as operational and financial considerations.
The MTA said it is working with New York City Public Schools to introduce a digital student transit pass in the future.
