Rollout of 'tap-and-go' subway fare begins soon but will take years to complete

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - The MTA has begun to roll out new tech at subway turnstiles and bus that will eventually—the process will take years—replace the aging and frustrating MetroCard system. The agency said it intends to even bring the payment system to the commuter railroads.

The new contactless fare-payment system, called OMNY, is in the final testing phase, the MTA said on its website.

In May, commuters will be able to use either a contactless card or a smart device to "tap and go" on all Staten Island buses and at the subway stations on the 4, 5, and 6 lines between Grand Central in Manhattan and Atlantic Avenue/Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the MTA said.

"You can keep using your current payment method while the new system is phased in over several years, first on subways and buses and then on commuter rail," the MTA said. "Once the OMNY system supports all the options available to you today, including reduced fares and time-based passes, we will phase out the MetroCard."