At a Glance
- MetroCard will be retired on Dec. 31, 2025.
- OMNY contactless taps already cover 90% of trips.
- Riders can still use MetroCards until 2026, and a weekly fare cap of $35 will apply.
- Why it matters: It marks the end of a 31-year era and shifts all commuters to a modern, tap-and-go system.
The New York City subway’s transition from brass tokens to the gold-hued MetroCard in 1994 brought a wave of modernity to one of the world’s oldest transit systems. Three decades later, the magnetic-strip card is being phased out as the city fully embraces OMNY, a contactless payment system that lets riders tap a credit card, phone, or smart device.
From Tokens to Cards
Before the MetroCard, riders bought brass tokens from station booths. In 1904, paper tickets cost a nickel-about $1.82 today. The MetroCard’s blue design required a specific swipe angle, and the MTA ran public campaigns to teach commuters the correct technique.
- Special editions honored events like the 2000 World Series “Subway Series” and artists such as David Bowie, Olivia Rodrigo, and the Wu-Tang Clan.
- Cards featured iconic shows-Seinfeld and Law & Order-and NYC landmarks.
- Collectors prized cards that showcased New York City to the world.
Jodi Shapiro said:
> “There was a resistance to change from tokens to something else because tokens work,”
Lev Radin added:
> “For me, the most special cards are cards which present New York City to the world,”
The End of an Era
The final day to buy or refill a MetroCard is Dec. 31, 2025. Existing cards will work into 2026, allowing riders to use remaining balances. The shift saves the MTA at least $20 million annually and introduces a fare cap: after 12 rides, the weekly maximum is $35 when fares rise to $3 in January.
| Feature | MetroCard | OMNY |
|---|---|---|
| Fare cap | None | $35 per week after 12 rides |
| Payment method | Swipe card | Tap credit card, phone, or OMNY card |
| Cost savings | $20 million annually | N/A |
**MTA spokespersons declined to comment, citing public statements as the deadline approaches.
Riders’ Voices
Ronald Minor said:
> “It’s hard for the elders,” Minor said as he caught a train to Brooklyn.
> “Don’t push us aside and make it like we don’t count. You push these machines away, you push us away.”
John Sacchetti shared:
> “It’s just like everything 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.”
Key Takeaways
- MetroCard ends on Dec. 31, 2025; OMNY already powers 90% of rides.
- The new system saves $20 million per year and caps weekly fares at $35.
- Riders still have access to old cards until 2026 and can switch to OMNY at select stations.
As the city moves toward a fully contactless future, commuters will see a blend of nostalgia and new convenience on every platform.
