Councilmember Hanks Calls for Equitable Distribution of OMNY Card Vending Machines in NYC Boroughs

Councilmember Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) has introduced a resolution calling for an equal number of OMNY card vending machines in each borough. The resolution cites that the MTA should implement at least 30 OMNY vending machines in high-traffic areas for each borough. Currently, there are 10 MetroCard vending machines on Staten Island, which are being phased out. Hanks argues that the $1 fee when purchasing a new OMNY card at a brick-and-mortar store is a “hidden” tax, as there is no way to refill an existing card at a store. The MTA has stated that it plans to install OMNY card vending machines at select stations along the Staten Island Railway and that existing MetroCard machines will remain for the foreseeable future.

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