The MetroCard, a symbol of New York City's subway and bus payments, has reached the end of its 30-year history. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that new MetroCards will no longer be available for purchase or reload starting January 1, 2026. The last sales and reloads will end on December 31, 2025, and fare payments will be fully transitioned to the One Metro New York (OMNY) tap-and-go system.
The MetroCard was fully introduced in 1994, replacing tokens. Swiping the card's magnetic stripe at the right speed and angle became a small rite of passage for New York City life. With the proliferation of unlimited passes and commemorative cards, some say it has become a symbol linking transit payments with urban culture.
Handling remaining balances during the transition also presented challenges. The MTA announced that existing MetroCard balances can be transferred to OMNY cards at customer service centers. They also announced that balance transfers and OMNY card support will continue through mobile service vehicles. MetroCards will continue to be available for the time being, but a final date for their termination will be announced at a later date.
OMNY operates by tapping a credit card or smartphone on a turnstile reader. It operates a fare cap system: if you pay 12 fares with the same card or device within a seven-day period, additional rides are free. The MTA announced a weekly cap of $35 after the 2026 fare policy change.
The transition has already been rapid. Gossemist reported that the MTA stated that 94 percent of New York City transit trips were paid for with OMNY as of December 2025. However, some users have experienced tap payment errors and charging issues, highlighting the challenges the new system leaves behind.
The city is also marking the "Last MetroCard" as a cultural event. The New York Transit Museum has opened an exhibition exploring the design and advertising of the MetroCard, highlighting how the card transformed everyday life and memories.
