US EditionAfter three decades, MetroCard heads toward retirement
The MTA will stop selling MetroCards on Dec. 31 after 32 years as OMNY adoption hits 94%, enabling cost savings and new fare promotions, officials said.
- On Dec. 31, 2025, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will stop MetroCard sales and refills as the New York City subway and bus system fully transitions to the OMNY contactless payment system.
- When the MetroCard replaced tokens in 1994, it modernized the transit system; the New York Transit Museum opened an exhibit earlier this month reflecting on its legacy.
- At major hubs like Times Square and Port Authority, some riders prefer MetroCards because swiping shows their balance, while others find OMNY reload machines cumbersome and elders struggle adapting.
- The agency says the switch will save at least $20 million annually, and OMNY adds fare-capping after 12 rides in seven days with a $35 weekly cap at the $3 fare rise in January.
- Transit officials note that more than 90% of trips are now paid with tap-and-go, aligning New York with London and Singapore, while MTA spokespersons declined comment as critics raise data concerns.
139 Articles
139 Articles
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolWhen the MetroCard replaced the New York City subway token in 1994, the sliding plastic card infused much-needed modernity into one of the world's oldest and largest transportation systems.
They’re Holding on to Their MetroCards, as OMNY Ends an Era
New Yorkers who rely on the MetroCard for more than swipes and dips are grudgingly bracing for the transit system’s familiar farecard to reach the end of the line. With sales of the plastic silver that pays for subway and bus trips ending on New Year’s Eve, the MTA says almost 94% of commuters have fully shifted away from the gold-and-blue cards in favor of the OMNY tap-and-go fare-payment system that debuted in 2019. “I remember the transition …
WSBT
New York subway riders say good-bye to MetroCard
The gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are following the subway token into retirement.
ABC FOX Montana
New York City MetroCard to be phased out for contactless system
NEW YORK CITY – The familiar blue and yellow MetroCard will soon be a thing of the past as the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) plans to stop selling them starting January 1. However, the cards will still be accepted temporarily.
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