Westchester Bee-Line Buses Say Goodbye to Cash—Tap to Ride Starting Next Year

Breaking Now News (BNN) – The days of fumbling for exact change on Westchester's Bee-Line buses are officially numbered. Starting in 2025, the county’s public transit system will ditch cash fares entirely in favor of a modern "tap-and-go" payment system, streamlining commutes and bringing the service in line with other major metro areas.

Farewell to Cash, Hello to Contactless Payments

The shift marks a major overhaul for the Bee-Line network, which serves over 27 million riders annually across Westchester County and connecting routes into the Bronx. Here's what passengers can expect:

• No More Cash on Board: Drivers will no longer accept bills or coins—all fares must be paid via contactless cards, mobile wallets, or Bee-Line’s upcoming smart card.
• Faster Boarding: Tap systems reduce time spent at stops, potentially improving route efficiency.
• Integration with OMNY? While not yet confirmed, officials are exploring compatibility with NYC’s OMNY system for seamless regional travel.

Why the Change?

Westchester County Executive George Latimer cited multiple benefits:

1. Safety: Eliminating cash reduces theft risks for drivers.
2. Hygiene: Contactless payments minimize physical interactions post-pandemic.
3. Data-Driven Planning: Digital systems provide better ridership analytics to optimize routes.

Critics, however, worry about tech barriers for elderly or unbanked riders. The county promises discounted smart cards and assistance programs, though details remain scarce.

What’s Next?

Pilot testing begins later this year on select routes before the full 2025 rollout. Riders can expect outreach campaigns and how-to guides as the transition approaches.

What Do You Think?

• Is eliminating cash fares a smart move or does it exclude vulnerable populations?
• Should Bee-Line have partnered with OMNY from the start?
• Will faster boarding actually improve schedule reliability, or is this just hype?
• Could this lead to fare hikes disguised as "system upgrades"?