The MTA plans to discontinue the sale of the MetroCard by the end of 2025, marking the end of an era that began over thirty years ago, according to MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.
“It’s time for the MetroCard to join Mr. Token in the transit museum,” Lieber stated during a Crain’s Business breakfast event.
While Lieber noted that a specific end date for the MetroCard’s usage is still to be determined, he confirmed that the sale of the yellow cards will cease by the conclusion of the year.
The MTA had long been anticipated to phase out the MetroCard, especially as the agency continues to promote OMNY, a contactless payment system that allows riders to pay by tapping their phone, bank card, or OMNY smart card.
For those who prefer the traditional MetroCard system, the OMNY smart card is the recommended alternative. It enables users to load funds onto the card at station machines or online, bypassing the pay-per-tap feature of the standard system.
“Swipes will be history,” Tim Minton, MTA communications director, tweeted on X as the announcement was made.
Introduced in 1993, the MetroCard replaced the old subway tokens, which were phased out in 2003.
In December, Lieber revealed that 67% of the subway’s daily ridership, which totals 4.5 million, were already using OMNY’s tap-and-go technology.
This week, the MTA also shared that more than 55% of its reduced-fare customers have adopted OMNY.
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