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New York City’s MetroCard, which modernized the subway system in 1994 by replacing tokens, is being retired.
After more than three decades, the golden card, known for its extremely finicky magnetic stripe, will stop being sold and topped up on December 31, 2025. The transportation system is fully transitioning to OMNY, a contactless payment method. time
It allows passengers to access fares via credit card, mobile phone or smart device, reflecting daily purchases. Launched in 2019, OMNY currently handles more than 90% of subway and bus trips, officials said.
Major cities around the world, including London and Singaporehas long used a similar contactless system. In the United States, san francisco A paid system was launched earlier this year, join chicago and others.
The humble MetroCard may have outlived its useful life, but it was revolutionary for its time, said Jodi Shapiro, the museum’s director. New York The Transportation Museum is located in brooklynAn exhibition was held earlier this month reflecting on MetroCard’s legacy.
Before the MetroCard, bus and subway riders relied on tokens, brass-colored coins introduced in 1953 that could be purchased from station kiosks. When the subway opened in 1904, paper tickets cost just 5 cents, equivalent to $1.82 today.
“There’s resistance to changing from tokens to something else because tokens work,” Shapiro said during a recent visit to the museum located beneath an abandoned subway station. “MetroCards bring a whole new level of thinking to New Yorkers.”
this Metropolitan Transportation Authority A public campaign has been launched to teach commuters how to swipe the otherwise blue card correctly, in the hope of avoiding the dreaded error message or lost fare. Officials even briefly considered the idea of using a wacky mascot – Cardvaark – before realizing it.
The cards quickly became collectibles as transit systems released special commemorative editions commemorating major events, such as the “Subway Series” between baseball games. new york mets and new york yankees in the 2000 World Series. At the time, tickets were $1.50.
artist from david bowie and olivia rodrigo Influential New York hip-hop acts such as Wu-Tang Clanthe infamous Yamato LL cool JIconic New York shows like “Seinfeld” and “Law & Order” have also graced the plastic cards over the years.
“To me, the most special cards are the ones that show New York City to the world,” said collector Lev Radin. Bronx. “There are pictures not only of landmarks, of the skyline, but of the people who live in New York and make New York special.”
Perfecting the correct angle and speed of a MetroCard swipe has also become a point of pride that distinguishes real New Yorkers from those just visiting.
During the failed 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary ClintonThe former U.S. senator from New York suffered an agonizing five swipes at a Bronx turnstile. To be fair, her primary Democratic opponent at the time, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders A native of Brooklyn, Vermont, he didn’t even seem to realize the coin had been discontinued.
Unlike the launch of MetroCard, OMNY requires little adjustment.
Riders who don’t want to use a credit card or smart device can purchase a reloadable OMNY card, similar to a MetroCard. Existing MetroCards will also remain valid until 2026, allowing passengers to use remaining balances.
An MTA spokesperson declined to comment, instead pointing to the many public statements they have made as the deadline approaches.
The agency said the switch could save at least $20 million annually in MetroCard-related costs.
The new system also allows for unlimited free rides within seven days, as fares are capped after 12 rides. Once fares rise to $3 in January, the maximum weekly ticket price will be $35.
Still, the new changes come with trade-offs, with some critics raising concerns about data collection and surveillance.
near times square On a recent morning, Ronald Minor was among the dwindling group of “Strahans” still swiping their MetroCards.
This 70-year-old man manhattan The resident said he was sad to see them leave. He has an OMNY card but finds it troublesome to top up at vending machines.
“It’s hard on the elders,” Minor said as he rode the train to where he was headed. brooklyn. “Don’t push us aside and make us irrelevant. You push these machines away, you push us away.”
John Sacchetti, another MetroCard user port authority Stop, said he liked being able to see his balance as he went through the turnstiles so he knew how much he was spending on the rides.
“It’s like everything else, it just takes getting used to,” he said as he headed uptown. “Once you get used to it, I think it’ll be fine.”