World
New York City subway says goodbye to MetroCards and switches to contactless payment
New York City’s transit system is preparing for a historic transition, ending the more than three-decade-long era of the MetroCard. December 31, 2025, will be the last day passengers can purchase or top up magnetic stripe cards.
The transportation department announced that the city is fully transitioning to the OMNY contactless payment system, which allows passengers to pay for their fares with a single tap of a bank card or smartphone, similar to how they make everyday purchases.
The technological change will save at least $20 million annually in maintenance costs for an aging card infrastructure. Although more than 90% of passengers already use contactless payment, existing MetroCards will continue to be accepted to pay off remaining balances in early 2026.
In parallel with the digital transition, fares will increase to $3 starting in January. Still, the new system will introduce flexible rates: After 12 trips per week, all subsequent trips will be free, limiting the maximum weekly cost to $35.
The reform has caused discontent only among older people: they claim the charging terminals are not accessible.
