The Brian Lehrer Show MTA Chair Janno Lieber on Transit News & Finances
Nov 18, 2025
John "Janno" Lieber, Chair and CEO of the MTA, shares insights on the transition from MetroCards to OMNY. He discusses the nostalgia for MetroCards, fare caps, and the tech advantages of the new system. Janno addresses privacy concerns surrounding OMNY data sharing and updates about MTA funding amid federal uncertainty. He also talks about Mayor-elect Mamdani's free bus proposal, strategies for speeding up bus services, and the ongoing recovery of ridership post-pandemic. Janno emphasizes transparency in fare increases and enforcement measures against fare evasion.
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MetroCard Phase-Out And Omni Adoption
- The MTA will stop selling new MetroCards at the end of the year but will accept them and let riders trade them in for Omni credit.
- Omni adoption exceeded 90% and enables automated benefits like weekly/monthly equivalents without prepayment.
MetroCard Farewell Events
- The MTA is marking MetroCard nostalgia with themed events and branded food items like MetroCard-themed sandwiches.
- Janno Lieber mentioned his own Biggie Smalls MetroCard as a nostalgic example.
Use Omni’s Automatic Fare Capping
- Omni automatically tracks rides so after 12 rides in seven days the rest are free without prepaying a pass.
- The MTA upgraded backend software to reduce delayed charge processing and customer grousing.