The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launched a contactless payment pilot on April 15, 2024, at four Queens subway stations, including Flushing-Main Street and Jamaica Center.

The MTA’s new contactless payment pilot aims to modernize fare collection by allowing riders in Queens to pay fares using contactless credit and debit cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Starting April 15, 2024, this system was introduced at Flushing-Main Street, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer, Court Square, and 111th Street stations. These locations were chosen for their high ridership and diversity of commuters.

The pilot program is designed to test the technology’s efficiency and rider satisfaction while also providing data to guide a system-wide rollout. The MTA hopes that contactless payments will reduce wait times at turnstiles, decrease cash handling, and improve overall passenger experience. Queens residents and commuters will be able to decide whether to continue using MetroCard, OMNY, or their personal contactless payment methods during the pilot.

MTA officials, including Interim President Janno Lieber, highlighted that this pilot is part of a larger effort to integrate new payment technologies across the New York City transit system. The agency has been gradually rolling out OMNY, a contactless fare payment system, but this pilot specifically allows bank-issued cards and wallets to be accepted directly without requiring prior registration or account setup.

Feedback from riders and station staff will be collected throughout the pilot period, which is expected to last six months. If successful, the MTA plans to expand contactless payment options to additional subway stations across all five boroughs, allowing for a more seamless and accessible transit payment experience.

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Which Queens subway stations are included in the MTA’s contactless payment pilot?

The pilot includes four Queens subway stations: Flushing-Main Street, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer, Court Square, and 111th Street. These stations were selected for high ridership and diverse commuter demographics.

How can riders use contactless payments during the pilot?

Riders can tap contactless credit and debit cards or mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay directly at the turnstiles. No pre-registration is required, and MetroCard or OMNY can still be used.

What is the duration and goal of the MTA’s contactless payment pilot?

The pilot is set to run for approximately six months starting April 15, 2024. Its goal is to evaluate the technology’s performance, rider satisfaction, and operational impact to determine possible citywide expansion.

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