New York City will officially phase out the use of the MetroCard, a payment method for public transit that has been in place for over three decades. Starting on January 1, 2026, residents and visitors will be required to adopt contactless fare payment methods, including tapping their smartphones, credit cards, or other devices when accessing subways and buses. This transition follows the introduction of the OMNY (One Metro New York) system in 2019, which has already captured 94% of all subway and bus transactions in the city.
MetroCard Sales to Conclude
As of December 31, 2025, the sale and reload of MetroCards will cease. The New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has indicated that the last day to use the existing MetroCards will be sometime in mid-2026. According to Shanifah Rieara, the MTA’s Chief Customer Officer, “New Yorkers have embraced tap and ride and we’re proud to see that as more and more people return to the city, they are choosing mass transit.” Rieara emphasized that the agency is focusing on converting the remaining 6% of users to the new system, highlighting the convenience and benefits of modern fare collection technology.
The OMNY system provides three convenient payment options: the use of a smartphone with a digital wallet, contactless bank cards, or a physical OMNY card. The MTA anticipates that eliminating the MetroCard will not only streamline fare collection but also save at least $20 million annually. This shift is expected to facilitate customer promotions and fare discounts more effectively.
A Brief History of Fare Payment in NYC
The transition from MetroCards marks an important evolution in New York City’s public transit history. Prior to the introduction of the MetroCard in 1983, the subway system relied on dime-sized tokens, which were used from 1953 to 1994. The adoption of the MetroCard allowed for more flexible fare management, aligning the city with other major urban centers that had already begun using magnetic swipe technology.
As New York City moves into this new chapter of transit fare collection, the MTA aims to enhance the overall customer experience while improving operational efficiency. The agency’s commitment to modernizing its systems reflects broader trends in public transportation, where contactless payments are becoming the norm.
With the end of the MetroCard era approaching, both New Yorkers and tourists are encouraged to prepare for this transition by familiarizing themselves with the available contactless payment options. The MTA’s efforts to promote the OMNY system aim to ensure a smooth shift as the city embraces 21st-century technology in its public transportation landscape.