At a Glance
- Dec. 31, 2025 is the final day to buy or refill a MetroCard.
- The system is shifting to OMNY, a contactless payment that already sees 90 % of trips.
- Riders can still use their existing MetroCard balances through 2026, while OMNY offers unlimited rides after 12 trips and a $35 weekly cap.
- Why it matters: The change promises $20 million in annual savings and a modern, tap-and-go experience for New Yorkers.
After three decades of swiping, the iconic MetroCard is being retired as New York’s transit system fully embraces contactless fare payment with OMNY.
Fare-card Farewell
The last day to buy or refill a MetroCard is Dec. 31, 2025. Transit officials say the network is now 90 % paid through OMNY, introduced in 2019.
- Dec. 31, 2025: final purchase/refill date
- 90 % of trips now use OMNY
- 2026: last year existing MetroCard balances remain valid
A Legacy in Swipe
The MetroCard replaced the brass token in 1994, bringing a modern swipe to the city’s subway. Jodi Shapiro, curator at the New York Transit Museum, said:
> “There was a resistance to change from tokens to something else because tokens work,”
> “MetroCards introduced a whole other level of thinking for New Yorkers.”
Collectors and Culture
Special editions featuring artists such as David Bowie, Olivia Rodrigo, and Wu-Tang Clan have made the cards collectible. Lev Radin said:
> “For me, the most special cards are cards which present New York City to the world,”
> “Not only photos of landmarks, skylines, but also about people who live and make New York special.”
Old-School Riders
Some longtime riders still cling to the familiar swipe. Ronald Minor, a 70-year-old resident, said:
> “It’s hard for the elders,”
> “Don’t push us aside and make it like we don’t count. You push these machines away, you push us away.”
John Sacchetti, another user, added:
> “It’s just like everything else, just something to get used to,”
> “Once I get used to it, I think it’ll be okay.”
Savings and Tradeoffs
The MTA says the switch saves at least $20 million annually. The new system caps fares after 12 rides, giving unlimited rides for a week and a maximum of $35 a week when the fare rises to $3 in January. However, critics voice concerns about data collection.
| Feature | MetroCard | OMNY |
|---|---|---|
| Last day to buy/refill | Dec. 31, 2025 | N/A |
| Last day to use | 2026 | N/A |
| Payment method | Swipe magnetic strip | Tap credit card, phone, device |
| Free rides after 12 rides | No | Yes, unlimited 7-day rides |
| Fare cap | No | $35 per week (after $3 fare in Jan) |
| Annual savings to MTA | N/A | $20 million |
Key Takeaways
- Dec. 31, 2025 is the final date for MetroCard purchases.
- OMNY already covers 90 % of trips and offers unlimited rides after 12 trips.
- The transition saves the MTA $20 million each year and caps weekly fares at $35.
New Yorkers can expect a smoother, tap-and-go experience, but some riders miss the tactile feel of the old swipe. The city’s move to OMNY marks a significant shift in how commuters pay for transit.
