On, Sept. 28, The New York City Council and the City University of New York announced a pilot program providing free, unlimited OMNY cards to 700 CUNY students, supported by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the CUNY University Student Senate.
The initiative is citywide and includes students from across CUNY, including those who live and study in Brooklyn.
Eligible students must be Pell-eligible, enrolled full-time with at least 12 credits in both the fall and spring semesters, and taking at least two in-person courses.
"I am thrilled about the launch of this new pilot in partnership with CUNY, part of our major push to fund targeted transit affordability programs supporting the New Yorkers who need them most," said City Council Speaker Julie Menin.
"Public transit is the ultimate connector and CUNY students are an integral part of the lifeblood of the city’s student population," said Shanifah Rieara, MTA chief customer officer. "The MTA is proud to support the City Council, CUNY and its students to expand access to Student OMNY cards to those most in financial need."
Students receiving transportation assistance through programs such as CUNY ASAP are not eligible. An additional 300 students were placed on a waitlist.
The program expands transportation assistance beyond students already receiving transit support through CUNY ASAP. Demand was significantly higher than the initial number of available spots: approximately 54,000 CUNY students met the eligibility requirements, while more than 28,500 submitted an interest form.
Selected students will receive physical OMNY cards with unlimited usage from Oct. 5 through Dec. 25, 2026. Eligibility will be reviewed before the spring benefit, which will provide a 120-day unlimited pass beginning Jan. 28, 2027.
The MTA is also expected to introduce virtual-wallet functionality for the cards by the end of 2026.
The pilot is part of the Council's broader FY2027 investment in transit affordability and CUNY programs, including additional funding for ASAP and an expansion of Fair Fares eligibility.
