The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday announced that the final day for MetroCard sales and distribution will be Dec. 31, 2025.
OMNY, the MTA’s tap-and-go payment system, will fully replace the three-decade old swipe system. MetroCards will still be accepted into 2026 and the official final acceptance date will be announced at a later time, according to a press release.
“After 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in on the fare payment system of the future,” said MTA Chair and Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber. “Tap-and-go – already the choice for 65% of our riders – is not only easier and more convenient to use, it also opens the door for new discounts and promotions that’ll put money back in riders’ pockets.”
Customers who prefer to use a physical card and/or pay with cash can buy an OMNY card for $1 and load or reload their card at thousands of retail locations, online, Mobile Sales Van locations or at subway stations throughout New York City where OMNY vending machines are currently available.
Rollout will be complete by the fall when all 472 subway stations will have an OMNY vending machine. Subway riders can check this progress online and find out whether their station features an OMNY vending machine. Retail partner locations will no longer sell MetroCards as of the fall of 2025.
Subway riders are encouraged to spend down the value on their MetroCards, but remaining balances will be eligible for transfer to OMNY or reimbursement two years from the expiration date on the MetroCard.
