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Bee-Line leaps into the tap-and-go era during OMNY rollout

OMNY allows riders to pay with a single tap using a bank card, mobile pay app, or an OMNY card.

Jeremy Hopwood

Jan 4, 2026, 4:15 PM

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The tap-and-go era has begun on Bee-Line buses.

OMNY allows riders to pay with a single tap using a bank card, mobile pay app, or an OMNY card — a system already familiar to many New York City commuters. But for some riders and drivers, the transition is still a work in progress.

Drivers on different routes say commuters have had mixed reactions to the new system. Some report riders embracing credit cards and mobile wallets, while others say many passengers still rely on coins and are hesitant to move away from cash. Riders echoed those feelings, with some expressing concern about losing the reliability of the MetroCard, while others said they’re ready to upgrade — even if they’re not sure yet where to get an OMNY card.

News 12 visited multiple stores after riders said they couldn’t find OMNY cards. While one location came up empty, another nearby retailer had OMNY cards available and ready to use.

County officials say OMNY is the future of fare payment on Bee-Line buses — but for now, riders who prefer coins can still use them during the transition period.

News 12's Lisa Larocca and Jeremy Hopwood reported on County Executive Ken Jenkins' announcement of this change in December.

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