New York City to Retire MetroCards by End of 2025

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced Wednesday it will officially retire the MetroCard by the end of 2025, transitioning to a fully contactless payment system known as OMNY. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber described this shift as a significant evolution in fare payment that has been years in the making.

Lieber stated, “After 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in on the fare payment system of the future. Tap-and-go — already the choice for 65% of our riders — is not only easier and more convenient to use, it also opens the door for new discounts and promotions that will put money back in riders’ pockets.”

The MTA will cease sales and refills of MetroCards by December 31, 2025. However, existing MetroCards can still be used at turnstiles for a minimum of six months after the final sale date, allowing New Yorkers ample opportunity to transition to OMNY.

The OMNY system, introduced in 2019, allows riders to pay their fares using smartphones, smartwatches, or contactless credit and debit cards, eliminating the need for physical cards altogether. Currently, about 70% of subway and bus riders utilize OMNY, reflecting a steady decline in MetroCard usage.

Moreover, OMNY offers significant benefits, including free rides after reaching the fare threshold of $34 in a single week, or $17 for those enrolled in reduced-fare programs. This incentivizes continued use among regular riders, adding to the appeal of the new payment system.

Lieber emphasized the financial advantages of adopting contactless payments, stating, “Making it easier to pay the fare and making it more affordable means more for paying customers. Contactless fare payment is not only faster and more convenient, it’s going to allow us to do more, much more with discounts and promotions. It’s a much more dynamic system.”

The MetroCard was first introduced in 1994 as a modern alternative to the subway token, which was phased out in 2003. Throughout its nearly three decades of service, the MetroCard has become an iconic symbol of New York City transit, spawning a variety of collectors’ editions and merchandise.

Existing MetroCard holders will have the option to transfer remaining balances to OMNY cards or apply the funds to a digital OMNY account at designated locations throughout the city. OMNY vending machines will be introduced in all 472 subway stations by fall 2024.

As the countdown to the MetroCard’s retirement begins, some residents have expressed mixed emotions about the change. “I’m a creature of habit,” said one New Yorker. “It took me a while to learn how to use the MetroCard and load it, and now it’s going, and I’ll have to figure out OMNY. Not by my choice.”

Despite the reluctance, city officials remain optimistic that OMNY will become seamlessly integrated into daily commuting for New Yorkers.

NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow remarked, “The tap-and-go system has greatly simplified how to use the MTA and navigate New York City. It is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to pay the fare, and we encourage any remaining customers to make the switch as soon as possible for a seamless transition.”