New York — When MetroCard replaced New York City subway In 1994, the swipe-able plastic card introduced much-needed modernity to one of the The oldest and largest Transportation systems.
Now, more than three decades later, the gold-colored fare card and its delicate magnetic stripe follow the token into retirement.
The last day to purchase or refill a MetroCard is Dec. 31, 2025, when the entire transit system transitions to OMNY, a contactless payment system that allows riders to tap a credit card, phone or other smart device to pay fares, just as they do with other everyday purchases.
Transit officials say more than 90% Many Tube and bus journeys are now paid for using a click-and-go system, introduced in 2019.
Major cities around the world, including London and Singapore, have long used similar contactless systems. In the United States, San Francisco launched A Payment system Earlier this year, joining Chicago and others.
The humble MetroCard may have outlived its useful life, but in its day it was revolutionary, says Judy Shapiro, a curator at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn, which opened an exhibit earlier this month reflecting the legacy of the MetroCard.
Before MetroCards, bus and subway riders relied on tokens, copper-colored coins introduced in 1953 that were purchased at station kiosks. When the subway opened in 1904, paper tickets cost just a nickel, or about $1.82 in today’s dollars.
“There was resistance to changing from tokens to something else because tokens work,” Shapiro said on a recent visit to the museum, which is located underground in a decommissioned subway station. “MetroCards have brought a whole other level of thinking to New Yorkers.”
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has launched public campaigns to teach riders how to properly swipe the originally blue cards, in hopes of avoiding the dreaded error message or missing fares. Officials even briefly considered the idea of a quirky mascot, cardvarkbefore they reach their maturity.
The cards quickly became collector’s items as the transit system issued special commemorative editions to mark major events, such as the “Subway Series” between the New York Mets and New York Yankees in the 2000 World Series. At the time, the fare cost $1.50.
Artists from David Bowie and Olivia Rodrigo to pioneering New York hip-hop groups like Wu-Tang Clan, Notorious B.I.G. and LL Cool J have also graced the plastic card over the years, as have popular New York shows like Seinfeld and Law. & to request.
“For me, the most special cards are the cards that introduce New York City to the world,” said Lev Radin, a Bronx collector. “Not just images of landmarks and the skyline, but also images of the people who live in New York and make it special.”
Improving the correct angle and speed for swiping the MetroCard has also become a point of pride that separates true New Yorkers from those just visiting.
During her failed 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton, the former US Senator from New York, was subjected to a painful attack. Five swipes At the revolving door in the Bronx. In fairness, it appears that her main Democratic opponent at the time, US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a Brooklyn native, did not even realize that the tokens had been discontinued.
Unlike the MetroCard rollout, OMNY required little modification.
Riders hesitant to use a credit card or smart device can purchase an OMNY card they can reload, similar to a MetroCard. Existing MetroCards will also continue to operate through 2026, allowing riders to use remaining balances.
MTA spokespeople declined to comment, pointing instead to their numerous public statements as the deadline approached.
The agency said the change saves at least $20 million annually in MetroCard-related costs.
The new system also allows unlimited free trips within a seven-day period because the fare is set after 12 trips. The cap will reach $35 per week once the fare rises to $3 in January.
However, the new changes come with trade-offs, with some critics raising concerns about data collection and monitoring.
Near Times Square one morning, Ronald Minor was among the dwindling group of “busters” still stealing MetroCards.
The 70-year-old Manhattan resident said he was sad to see them go. He has an OMNY card but finds vending machines to reload are more complicated.
“It’s tough for older people,” Minor said as he took the train to Brooklyn. “Don’t push us aside and make it seem like we don’t count. You’re pushing these machines away, and you’re pushing us away.”
John Sacchetti, another MetroCard user at the Port Authority station, said he likes being able to see his balance as he passes through the turnstile so he knows how much he’s spending on trips.
“It’s like anything else, just something to get used to,” he said as he headed uptown. “Once I get used to it, I think it’ll be okay.”
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Follow Philippe Marcelo at https://x.com/philmarcelo