Kids demand fixes to NYC's student OMNY cards, saying flaws encourage fare evasion New York City students and parents are pushing for urgent improvements to the student OMNY card program, citing frequent malfunctions, durability issues, and the cards’ role in incentivizing fare evasion. The free student OMNY cards, introduced in fall 2024, have become a focal point of frustration for thousands of students who rely on them for transportation. Critics argue the cards, made from a flexible material similar to old MetroCards, are prone to damage from weather, bending, or mishandling, leading to repeated replacements and financial strain. Vinny Dong, a sophomore at Queens High School for the Sciences, described the cards as “not surviving the whole year,” noting he has already gone through six. “Rain? Gone! Snow? Gone! You shove it in your phone too hard? Gone!” he said, highlighting the cards’ susceptibility to environmental factors and physical stress. Similar complaints came from other students and parents at a Panel for Education Policy meeting, where over a dozen attendees criticized the program’s design and accessibility. The student OMNY cards, which cover four subway or bus rides daily for students living more than a half-mile from school and not riding yellow buses, have faced widespread criticism for their limited durability and inconsistent functionality. Many argue the cards should be upgraded to match the credit card-like OMNY cards sold in subway vending machines, which are more robust and user-friendly. Parents and students also called for universal access to the program, rather than restricting eligibility to specific demographics.#mta #transportation_alternatives #nyc #panel_for_education_policy #transit_advocacy_group
