New York Says Goodbye to the MetroCard After Three DecadesM

After more than three decades of service, New York City’s iconic MetroCard is being phased out, marking the end of a daily ritual for millions of riders.

Introduced in 1994 to replace subway tokens, the yellow swipeable card modernized one of the world’s largest and oldest public transit systems, changing how New Yorkers moved through the city.

The last day to buy or refill a MetroCard is December 31, 2025, as the transit system fully transitions to OMNY, a contactless payment system that allows riders to tap a credit or debit card, smartphone, smartwatch, or a reloadable OMNY card to pay fares.

Transit officials say the shift has already been widely adopted, with more than 90% of subway and bus trips now using tap-and-go payments.

MetroCards will continue to work into 2026, allowing riders time to use any remaining balances. The change is expected to save the Metropolitan Transportation Authority at least $20 million annually in production and maintenance costs.

While many riders welcome the convenience, some commuters, particularly older New Yorkers, say they will miss the familiarity of swiping and being able to see their balance at the turnstile.