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In Consumer Information

Say Goodbye to the MetroCard: OMNY Is Coming to the LIRR

In Consumer Information 4 Mins Read

If you’ve ever fumbled with a MetroCard that just wouldn’t swipe, or stood on line behind someone swiping their card 10 times before it worked, you’re about to breathe a sigh of relief. The MTA is rolling out OMNY, One Metro New York, a tap-and-go system that’s about to change the way we ride trains and buses across the region.

And yes, the OMNY is coming to the LIRR by January 2026, right when new fare hikes and toll increases kick in. (Timing is everything, right?)

💳 What Is OMNY, Really?

Think of OMNY as your new MetroCard but smarter, faster, and way less frustrating. No more swiping. No more “please swipe again.”

With OMNY, you can:

  • Tap your credit or debit card (if it has the little contactless wave symbol)
  • Use your phone or smartwatch (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay all good)
  • Or pick up a reloadable OMNY card if you like the old-school card feel Just tap and go. That’s it.

📲 What If You Use the TrainTime App?

Good news: TrainTime isn’t going anywhere. If you already buy your LIRR or Metro-North tickets on the app, you can keep doing that.

The difference is:

  • OMNY = instant tap-in (no pre-purchasing or activating tickets)
  • TrainTime = buying and storing digital tickets

The MTA plans to eventually merge OMNY and TrainTime so all of your fares, passes, and discounts live in one place. For now, you’ve got options stick with the app, or go full tap-and-go.

What’s Changing in 2026 * Subways & Buses

  • Base fare jumps: from $2.90 to $3.00 (reduced fare from $1.45 to $1.50).
  • Rolling 7-day fare cap becomes permanent: After 12 rides in a week, the rest are free, no more “use-it-or-lose-it” unlimited.
  • Express buses: Base fare rises from $7 to $7.25. A new fare cap means no rider pays more than $67/week for unlimited subway, local bus, and express bus rides.
  • Single Ride ticket: from $3.25 to $3.50.
  • New OMNY card fee: $2, once MetroCards are phased out later in 2026.

LIRR & Metro-North Changes

  • Monthly & weekly tickets: up to 4.5% increase, though still capped under $500.
  • Other ticket types to Zone 1: up to 8% increase.
  • CityTicket fares: Peak goes from $7 to $7.25; Off-peak from $5 to $5.25. These become permanent products.
  • New Day Pass: replaces the old round-trip, valid until 4 a.m. the next day. Priced slightly lower than two peak tickets on weekdays, equal to two off-peak tickets on weekends.
  • Family Fare expanded: Kids aged 5-17 can ride for $1 with an adult, even during peak hours.
  • Onboard surcharge: increases by $2 and yes, that includes TrainTime purchases activated onboard.

Fare Policy Updates

  • One-way tickets expire at 4 a.m. the next day, no more stockpiling for weeks.
  • Pay-as-you-go discounts: Mobile customers earn a free ride after 10 trips in 14 days.
  • Reduced fares available all day, every day, even during peak hours.

Toll Changes

Starting 2026, tolls will rise 7.5% across all MTA bridges and tunnels, whether you use E-ZPass or Tolls by Mail. Discount programs for Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island residents stay in place.

🎤 Real Talk

The MTA says these “small, regular increases” are meant to keep up with inflation and avoid shocking customers with big double-digit hikes later. But for everyday riders, it still means more money out of pocket, whether you’re swiping (or tapping) onto the subway, grabbing a CityTicket for the LIRR, or driving across the bridges.

The convenience of OMNY — tap, go, no more MetroCard meltdowns, is real progress. But progress doesn’t cancel out the sting of fare hikes. For families, workers, and commuters already balancing high costs, these changes are another reminder of how expensive getting around New York has become.

So while we’re saying goodbye to the MetroCard and hello to OMNY, the bigger question for 2026 is: how do we make sure transit stays not just modern, but affordable?

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In Community News

All Aboard American Beauty II – Sag Harbor Floating Fun Factory

In Community News 2 Mins Read

If you think Sag Harbor is all about sitting dockside with a glass of rosé, you’re only half right. The other half? You need to get yourself on American Beauty II and see this village from the water. Trust me — your Instagram will thank you.

Here at Hamptons Mouthpiece, we’re all about those experiences that make you say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” And cruising on American Beauty II is at the top of that list.

American Beauty II is a 44-foot charmer docked right on Long Wharf. Captain Don Heckman launched this dream back in ’92 because he believed boating should be fun and affordable for everyone.

Photo courtesy: American Beauty Cruises and Charters

✨ Pick Your Cruise Mood

Private Charter – Birthday? Bachelorette? Girls’ day out? Or maybe it’s just Tuesday and you feel like it. Rent the whole boat for $630/hour (and yes, there’s a discount if you pay in cash or Zelle — we love a bargain). Bring your own snacks, drinks, and playlist. One rule: leave the red wine at home. The boat cushions will thank you.

Ticketed Cruises:

• Sunset Cruise – Two glorious hours of golden light, salty breezes, and everyone suddenly feeling like a movie star.

• Nature Cruise – 90 minutes of “oohs” and “ahhs” as you pass osprey nests, secret coves, and get the lowdown on Sag Harbor history — plus a peek at some fancy waterfront homes.

Why You’ll Love It

Photo courtesy: American Beauty Cruises and Charters

• The Vibe – Zero pretense. Just good people, good music, and good views.

• The Stories – From whaling days to celebrity hideaways, you’ll get the Sag Harbor tea.

• The Views – Sunsets so pretty, you’ll be tempted to move aboard.

Hamptons Mouthpiece Tips

• Book ahead — especially for those weekend sunset cruises.

• Arrive early so you can snag the best spot for selfies (and snacks).

• If the weather turns, no stress — they’ll reschedule or refund.

Next time you’re in Sag Harbor, trade your dinner table for a deck and your shoes for boat vibes. American Beauty II isn’t just a cruise — it’s a floating memory maker.

Real talk, real people: From the Hamptons Mouthpiece to you — get off the dock and into the story.

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In Community News

No Tax on Tips? Here’s What That Really Means

In Community News 3 Mins Read

No Tax on Tips Act? Here’s What That Really Means

So there’s been a lot of talk lately about “no tax on tips act” If you work in a restaurant, bar, salon, spa, or anywhere you get tipped—you might be thinking finally!

Well… here’s what’s really going on.

What Just Happened

Congress passed a huge new bill (like, trillions of dollars big), and tucked inside it was something called the No Tax on Tips Act.

It means this:

👉 You won’t have to pay federal income tax on up to $25,000 in tips each year.

👉 But you still have to report your tips and still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (those come out of your paycheck like always).

👉 It only counts for cash tips that you report to your boss.

👉 This is good for 2025 through 2028 — after that, it might go away unless Congress brings it back.

Who This Helps

If you work in:

• Restaurants 🍔

• Bars 🍸

• Hair or nail salons 💅

• Spas or hotels

• Any job where you get tipped in cash…

This law could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year on your taxes.

But Read the Fine Print before you go celebrating too hard:

• You must report your tips to get this benefit. If you’ve been keeping tips off the books, you won’t qualify.

• You’ll still pay payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare. That part didn’t change.

• If you make over $150,000 a year, you don’t qualify.

• It’s temporary. This is only good through 2028 (for now).

So Is This a Big Deal?

Yes, for a lot of workers, this is a big help.

You work hard, and tips are your livelihood. This law lets you keep more of the money you’ve already earned. That’s real money in your pocket—especially when rent, groceries, and gas prices keep going up.

But it doesn’t help everyone. People who work behind the scenes—like dishwashers or cooks—don’t get tips and won’t benefit at all.

And it’s not a total tax break—you still have to follow the rules, report your income, and pay some taxes.

Bottom Line

If you make tips, report them, and earn under $150K—you win.

This new law gives you a tax break on up to $25,000 in cash tips per year. That means more money stays with you.

Just keep track of your tips, report them the right way, and be smart when filing your taxes.

Got questions about how this works for you personally? Ask a tax pro or drop a comment on our social media post. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @Sagharbor @Hamptonsmp

Real Talk, Real People

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In EDITORIAL

Why Earth Day Matters and How You Can Make a Difference

In EDITORIAL 2 Mins Read
Sag Harbor, Long Island, Hamptons Photo Credit: Vanessa Leggard

Why Earth Day Matters — And How You Can Make a Difference

April 22 is more than just another day on the calendar—it’s Earth Day, a powerful reminder that we share a responsibility to protect the planet we call home.

Started in 1970, Earth Day sparked a movement that brought environmental concerns to the forefront. Today, more than 190 countries around the world take part in events, campaigns, and everyday actions that aim to build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” focuses on one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution. From oceans and forests to our own communities, plastic waste is everywhere—and it’s harming wildlife, ecosystems, and even our health. Earth Day encourages each of us to do what we can to reduce our use of single-use plastics and find more sustainable alternatives.

AI produced Photo Credit: Vanessa Leggard

But Earth Day is about more than just plastics. It’s about:
• Conserving energy
• Reducing food waste
• Supporting eco-friendly businesses
• Protecting green spaces
• Educating ourselves and others

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to change everything overnight. But small changes, made consistently, add up. Bring a reusable bag, skip the plastic straw, recycle mindfully, and talk to your community about why this matters.

Sag Harbor, Long Island, Hamptons Photo Credit: Vanessa Leggard

The truth is—every day is Earth Day when we choose to live with intention and care. Let this April 22 be your invitation to do a little more, speak a little louder, and love this planet a little harder.

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In Feature Story

Spill the Tea with Allura and Skyler Johnson, Candidate for State Senate

In Feature Story 2 Mins Read

Hamptons Mouthpiece; Spill the Tea – Allura Leggard speaks with New York State Senate candidate, Skyler Johnson to discuss the upcoming election.

Johnson ‘Spills the Tea’ on his plans for healthcare; the environment; education; Police Reform and that was only a fraction of the Bold Plans he has for the future.

Unlike many of the other candidates who have other full-time jobs, Johnson tells us that his full-time job is being a student, continuing to learn more about how he can bring about change and focus on the many issues that concern Americans in the 1st district.

19-year-old Johnson is this year’s youngest candidate running for State Senate.

Johnson expressed that his use of social media and his command for the facts is important to discuss issues that many people in Suffolk County are concerned about.

Johnson is one of five Democratic candidates running this year for Senator Kenneth LaValle’s NY State Senate seat in the First District in Suffolk County. Senator LaValle has held this position for 43 years and decided he will not be running for reelection this year.

Johnson says, one of his most important issues for his campaign is providing everyone in the state with free and quality healthcare. Johnson says this can be achieved by “rebuilding our healthcare system by passing the NYHA, New York Health Act-Including: free testing, treatment, and telemedicine for everyone.”

You can read more about Johnson’s Bold Plans for a Bright Future on his website. https://skylerforsenate.com

Election day is June 23; (Voting polls).
After June 16th, voters may apply in person (over-the-counter) through June 22nd or by Early Voting from June 13-21. Primary Elections POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM – CLOSE AT 9 PM

Register to Vote or update your voter information online: Click here:

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