...
By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Starting January 1, 2026, MetroCards will no longer be available for purchase or refill at New York City subway stations and buses, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) completes its transition to the OMNY (One Metro New York) contactless payment system.
This is what you need to know.
Why It Matters
...
Read More on News
New York City's decision to retire the MetroCard and move exclusively to the OMNY tap-and-go fare system marks the biggest change to the city's public transit payment infrastructure in over three decades, after the MetroCards replaced tokens in 1994.
The MTA says that the switch is expected to save at least $20 million annually in MetroCard production and distribution, vending machine repairs, and cash collection and handling.
What To Know
Introduced in 2019, OMNY enables riders to pay fares by tapping a contactless credit or debit card, smart device, or OMNY card at subway turnstiles and bus fareboxes.
Transit officials believe that over 90 percent of paid subway and bus trips are already being made with OMNY, according to The Associated Press.
The MTA says that although MetroCards will no longer be available to buy or refill after December 31, they will still be accepted until a yet-to-be-announced date in 2026 (but no money can be added to them after the December 31 cut-off).
The MTA also confirmed that although they advise travelers to spend unused balances before their cards expire, customers can transfer value from a MetroCard to an OMNY Card at any of the mobile vans, customer service centers—located in 15 stations—or to Lower Manhattan at 3 Stone St. It will offer value transfers and reimbursements for up to two years after a MetroCard's expiration date.
With the OMNY system, if a customer pays for 12 rides within seven days, using the same device or card, additional rides will be free for the remainder of that week, setting the maximum weekly fare at $34–which replicates the benefit of the old 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard, but without requiring an upfront payment—you pay as you go until you hit the cap.
What People Are Saying
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement: “After 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in on the fare payment system of the future.”
MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara said: "While there’s no doubt the MetroCard will remain an iconic New York City symbol, tap-and-go fare payment has been a game changer for everyday riders and visitors, saving them the guessing game on what fare package is most cost efficient for their travels and making using NYC’s transit system much easier.”
What Happens Next
While MetroCards will remain valid for entry (for a limited time), their ultimate phase-out will depend on further announcements from the MTA. Riders with remaining balances will be eligible for transfers or refunds for up to two years following each card’s expiration date.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines