NYC Says Goodbye the MetroCard

Last week, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced the end of the MetroCard. The agency has long suggested it will phase out MetroCards since it introduced contactless payment systems in 2019. The deadline for purchasing a new MetroCard is December 31, 2025.

The MetroCard has been a staple of New York City commutes since it was introduced in 1993. The swipe-able cards replaced subway tokens when those were discontinued in 2003. In recent years, riders have increasingly opted for tap-and-go contactless payment systems like OMNY that provide flexibility for riders and operators alike, the agency said in a statement Wednesday. 

“After 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in on the fare payment system of the future,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. Riders will still be able to pay with MetroCards in 2026, but they will eventually no longer be accepted. 

The MTA introduced a tap-to-pay system, called OMNY, in 2019. The system allows riders to pay fares directly with digital wallets, contactless credit cards, and reloadable OMNY cards. Since it went into effect, OMNY has grown tremendously in popularity. Currently 65 percent of all riders, including 85 percent of regular fares and 55 percent of reduced fares, pay with OMNY according to the MTA.

“While there’s no doubt the MetroCard will remain an iconic New York City symbol, tap-and-go fare payment has been a game changer for everyday riders and visitors, saving them the guessing game on what fare package is most cost efficient for their travels and making using NYC’s transit system much easier,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara.

The agency says that digital payments will help consumers by allowing it to seamlessly cap fares each week and offer discounts. The system will also allow riders to use OMNY on the Long Island Railroad and Metro-North. Discontinuing MetroCards will also save the agency $20 million in operating costs for vending machines, card production, and cash collecting—money the agency can put towards improving service. 

Riders who don’t want to use digital payment methods will be able to buy plastic reloadable OMNY cards at vending machines. The MTA says they will deploy vending machines at every subway station by the fall.

Metrocards are functional but also an occasional source of joy and whimsy. Over the years, there have been dozens of special edition cards featuring David Bowie, the World’s Fair, iconic New York landmarks, and countless other promotions.

Like subway tokens before, MetroCards have become something of a collector's item and a symbol of New York City that appears in art and souvenirs. Untapped New York Member Marietta Ganapin has a small collection herself: "The David Bowie MTA cards were my favorite. I won't miss the MetroCard, but I wish that a limited edition OMNY card will be offered."

Even though many riders are opting for tap payments and prefer the tap-and-go systems, some are still sad to see MetroCards go. Untapped New York's CEO Augustin Pasquet says he will miss "the art of the MetroCard swipe—the quiet pride of a perfect single swipe, and the side-eye reserved for tourists still battling the turnstile."

Our Chief Experience Officer and creator of Untapped New York's Underground Subway tour will miss the MetroCard's cachet: "I'll miss the badge of honor of being identified as a New Yorker when I would open my wallet in somewhere like New Jersey and or Massachusetts and the first card an onlooker would see was my MetroCard. It used to say everything you needed to know about someone."

New Yorkers on social media have posted about holding vigils and feeling wistful about 30 years of swipes. At least they all have a new souvenir. Will you miss the MetroCard?

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Next, read about why MetroCards have holes and slanted edges.