New York subway ends its MetroCard era and switches fully to tap-and-go fares [View all]

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: AP

Updated 11:31 AM EST, December 28, 2025


NEW YORK (AP) — 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 oldest and largest transit systems.

Now, more than three decades later, the gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are following the token into retirement.

The last day to buy or refill a MetroCard is Dec. 31, 2025, as the transit system fully transitions to OMNY, a contactless payment system that allows riders to tap their credit card, phone or other smart device to pay fares, much like they do for other everyday purchases. Transit officials say more than 90% of subway and bus trips are now paid using the tap-and-go system, introduced in 2019.

Major cities around the world, including London and Singapore, have long used similar contactless systems. In the U.S., San Francisco launched a pay-go system earlier this year, joining Chicago and others.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/metrocard-retired-omny-pay-nyc-subway-512112eea4d6e082baab299d41e8171a

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We implemented that here in Philly for the remaining SEPTA transit options (regional rail trains) this past April 2025. The other modes (bus, subways, trolleys, etc) were tap and go starting back in 2023.