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.
92 Articles
92 Articles
FOX 28 Spokane
NBC Right NowNew 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. Riders in New York City will need to switch to the new contactless system known
For users of New York City who want to travel by public transport without paying with MetroCard (which will not be issued) or a credit or physical debit card, there is an alternative.The Metro and the buses of the Big Apple have the tool “tap and ride”, which allows to pay the trip with the use of the cell phone. The initiative includes benefits for those who reach a spent amount in a period of seven days.What is New York’s tap and ride tool for…
The Independent
The Independent (US)End of an era as New York subway finally switches payment system
The humble MetroCard may have outlasted its useful life
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