Actions to Take if You Use the Transportation Reimbursement Incentive Program (TRIP) for a MetroCard
Recently, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that it will discontinue use of the MetroCard for purposes of riding the New York City subway, effective March 1, 2026. Starting in March 2026, the OMNY payment system will be the only way to pay for subway rides. To prepare for the upcoming transition, the MTA will stop offering MetroCard products to commuter benefits programs like Citi’s as of March 31, 2025. As a result, Optum Financial will be phasing out the MetroCard as an option through TRIP.
If you’re currently using the TRIP benefit to obtain a MetroCard, you may need to take action for continuous access to your benefit.
What’s Happening
- If you receive a monthly MetroCard, your TRIP enrollment will be canceled on March 31, 2025 and any recurring orders will end. This means it’s important to update your TRIP enrollment before then to avoid needing to pay out of pocket for New York City subway rides. Read about the necessary action steps below. If you don’t take action, out-of-pocket payments will be required starting May 1, 2025.
- If you receive an annual transit card monthly reload before March 31, 2025, you may continue using your card until it expires or February 28, 2026, whichever comes first. No annual transit cards will be reloaded after March 31, 2025. Please note: You will no longer be able to order a replacement annual transit card after June 16, 2025.
Actions to Take
Take the following steps as soon as possible. In order to ensure you have continuous service after April 2025, you should complete these steps by April 10, 2025 for the changes to take effect May 1, 2025.
If you do not take action, you will pay out of pocket for New York City subway rides until you re-enroll in TRIP.
- Log in to My Total Compensation and Benefits then click on "TRIP and Spending Accounts" to access the Optum Financial website.
- Change from your current enrollment method to the Optum Stacked Financial Debit Card.
- Submit your election.
What Happens Next
Once you’ve received your Optum Stacked Financial Debit Card, you may use it to pay for New York City subway rides in one of two ways:
- Purchase an OMNY card where available, either at certain subway stations or select retailers. Learn more about purchasing OMNY cards.
- Add your Optum Stacked Financial Debit Card to your digital wallet, such as Apple Pay, for contactless payment with OMNY at the subway turnstile.
If this change in allowed payment methods impacts you, you will receive information directly from Optum Financial.