CUNY Students Get Free OMNY Transit Cards

Selected CUNY students can pick up free OMNY cards funded by $700,000 from the New York City Council.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Financial Aid

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a single rounded transit card on a warm cream surface beside a gentle pale route line, evoking student access to transit. — The New York City Council is giving free OMNY transit cards to 700 selected CUNY students, funded by a $700,000 allocation, and 693 have picked theirs up so far. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The New York City Council launched the CUNY OMNY Pilot Program, which provides free OMNY transit cards to students at the City University of New York. Of 700 selected students, 693 have picked up their cards so far.

Why it matters

For CUNY students who already cover tuition and may have limited income, transit costs are a real barrier to getting to class. Free OMNY cards funded by the council address that cost directly for the students selected.

The council secured $700,000 to fund free OMNY cards for 700 selected CUNY students, out of nearly 30,000 students who expressed interest. Of those selected, 693 have picked up their cards so far.

The players

New York City Council

The legislative body of New York City that secured the $700,000 funding for the pilot program.

CUNY (City University of New York)

New York City's public university system, serving a large population of students who commute across the five boroughs.

CUNY University Student Senate

The student governing body of the CUNY system that advocated for transportation support for three years.

The details

Selected students receive free OMNY cards funded through the council's $700,000 allocation. The program was launched in partnership with CUNY and the CUNY University Student Senate, which had spent three years advocating for transportation support. Students who were selected and have not yet picked up their card can contact their campus to arrange pickup.

Speaker Julie Menin and Majority Leader Shaun Abreu launched the program with CUNY leadership last month.
The council and CUNY announced student participation in the pilot on October 30, 2026.

Education Landscape

The pilot places transit costs within a broader pattern of rising expenses for students who already cover tuition. It extends a targeted benefit for students into a fare system that has become the standard way New Yorkers pay for transit.

If you are a CUNY student who was selected for the pilot, you can pick up your free OMNY card from your campus. If you were not selected, the council's note that the pilot will help expand the initiative suggests future opportunities, though the source gives no dates for that expansion.

The takeaway

Free transit cards can meaningfully lower the cost of attending college in New York City for students who commute. If you are a CUNY student, ask your campus's financial-aid or student services office whether you are eligible for transit support programs.