NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The MTA will end sales of the MetroCard by the end of 2025, more than three decades after it was introduced, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said Wednesday.
“It’s time for the MetroCard to join Mr. Token in the transit museum,” Lieber told a Crain’s Business breakfast.
Lieber said a final date for MetroCard usage hasn’t been set but that sales of the iconic yellow card will stop by the end of the year.
The MTA had been expected to end use of the MetroCard sooner than later as it continues to push OMNY, a contactless payment system riders use by tapping their phone, bank card or OMNY smart card.
The best option for riders who prefer the MetroCard system would be the OMNY smart card, as it allows riders to add a balance onto their card at station machines (or online with an account), instead of being charged by the tap.
Lieber said the OMNY system is much more dynamic, allowing the MTA to more easily serve promotions and discounts.
"Swipes will be history," MTA communications director Tim Minton wrote on X as the news broke.
The MetroCard was introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the old subway tokens, which were discontinued in 2003.
Lieber said in December that 67% of the subway’s daily 4.5 million riders were using OMNY’s tap-and-go system.
Earlier this week, the MTA announced more than 55% of its reduced-fare customers were using OMNY.