The New York City Council and CUNY launched a free unlimited-OMNY pilot September 28 with an initial cohort of about 700 students. The fall cards activate October 5 and run through December 25, 2026. The new benefit addresses transport costs, but its small first cohort is central to understanding who receives it.
The program requires Pell eligibility, full-time enrollment of at least 12 credits in fall and spring, and at least two in-person courses. Students already receiving transportation support through programs such as CUNY ASAP are not eligible for this pilot. The selected students were notified and told where to collect cards.
The city says about 54,000 students met the criteria and more than 28,500 submitted an interest form. Another 300 were placed on a waitlist. Eligibility and expressing interest therefore did not guarantee a place. Fall recipients will be screened again before the spring benefit.
Check the actual CUNY notification and campus pickup instructions rather than buying a purported enrollment service. A physical unlimited card is the announced benefit; the release describes future virtual-wallet capability as projected, not already available. The first limited pilot should not be confused with other transit-support programs or a universal reduction in fares.