Name: New York subway ends MetroCard era, switches to tap-and-go fares
Uploaded: 2025-12-31T16:35:27.895Z
Duration: 1 min 35 s
Description: When the MetroCard replaced the New York City subway token in 1994, the swipeable plastic card infused much-needed modernity into one of the world’s largest transit systems. Now, the gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are following the token into retirement.

When the MetroCard replaced the New York City subway token in 1994, the swipeable plastic card infused much-needed modernity into one of the world’s largest transit systems. Now, the gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are following the token into retirement.

New York

The New York City subway has officially ended the era of the MetroCard, with New Year's Eve marking the last day for riders to purchase or recharge the plastic fare card that debuted in 1994. The MetroCard, which replaced brass subway tokens and became a cultural icon, is now being phased out in favor of the Omni tap-to-pay system, introduced in 2019 and already used for 90% of rides.

The Omni system allows riders and tourists to pay fares using credit or debit cards, bringing New York in line with other major cities like Chicago and London. For those hesitant about electronic payments, a reloadable Omnicard is available for $1. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority expects the transition to save $20 million and improve accessibility for visitors.

New York subway ends MetroCard era, switches to tap-and-go fares

Kiss, the glam rock legend David Bowie, Brooklyn rapper Notorious B.I.G. These are just some of the additions that made the New York Metro card iconic. And for this collector, they made the plastic rectangle synonymous with the Big Apple. For me, the most special cards are cards which present New York City to the world. Not only photos of landmarks, skylines, but also about people. New Year's Eve is the last day to buy or recharge the celebrated New York City Metro card. Debuted in 1994, riders could add value to the piece of plastic with tellers or on machines instead of carrying around brass subway tokens. It's been pushed out by the Omni tap-to-pay system that was introduced in 2019, which transit officials say already is used for 90% of rides on trains and buses. A modernizing move that aligns New York with cities like Chicago or London, easing travel for riders and tourists with a credit or debit card. I don't want something that works to go away, but I also recognize that it's a technology that's a little bit past due and needs to be replaced with something that is newer. Not to worry for those wary of electronic payments, an Omnicard is available for $1 and can be reloaded online. In addition to making the city even more tourist accessible, the move is set to save the city's transit authority, the MTA, $20 million.

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Breakdown