Thu Mar 20 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## MetroCard Metes Out Its Last Ride: NYC Transit Agency Goes Fully Contactless
**New York, NY** – The iconic MetroCard, a fixture of New York City transit for three decades, is officially heading for retirement. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced Wednesday that it will cease selling the cards at subway stations by December 31st, and at retail locations by the fall. The move marks a complete transition to the OMNY tap-and-go system, introduced in 2019.
Riders will now exclusively use contactless payment methods, including smartphones, smartwatches, credit/debit cards, and OMNY cards. This shift is expected to save the MTA at least $20 million annually, according to Chairman Janno Lieber. He stated that 65% of riders already utilize the contactless system and that the change “opens the door for new discounts and promotions.”
The MetroCard, introduced in 1993, will be remembered for its distinctive yellow design and, for many New Yorkers, its reliable (if occasionally finicky) function. While its demise marks the end of an era, the MTA highlights the cost savings and future possibilities offered by the fully contactless system.
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