Fare capping FAQ Simply tap and go with the same contactless credit or debit card, smart device, or OMNY card. Once you've hit 12 paid trips in a seven-day period, the rest of your rides for that week will automatically be free.

In 2026, the New York City MTA’s OMNY fare capping system remains in place, but it has become even more streamlined. The "Best Fare" policy allows you to ride for free after your 12th paid trip in a 7-day rolling period, provided you use the same device or card for every tap. Once you reach the $35 cap ($17.50 for reduced-fare eligible riders), every subsequent ride for the remainder of that 7-day window is free. You will see a "Free" or "Cap Met" message on the reader screen. In early 2026, the MTA has also introduced a similar cap for Express Bus rides, which is set at $67 per week. It is important to note that transfers still count toward your 12-trip total, but only the initial paid portion of the journey contributes to the cap; the free transfer does not "count" as an additional trip toward the 12.