Last Stop for MetroCards in NYC

On a recent trip to NYC, my family crowded around an ancient MetroCard dispenser in the 42^nd Street station.  It was (of course) uncooperative, and we became increasingly frustrated until an MTA officer signaled to us.  He gestured to simply tap our credit card on the turnstile and wa-la – we were through!  Yes, it’s true.  The flimsy, bright yellow card with the magnetic stripe is being phased out and a new era of contactless payment is here.  It’s the last stop for MetroCards in NYC.

It’s All About OMNY

MetroCards will be phased out in 2024 and replaced by OMNY, a contactless payment fare system.  OMNY readers have been installed in every subway station in NYC and allow riders to “tap to pay” instead of swiping.

You can tap your credit or debit card, smartphone, wearable device, or OMNY card and go.  It’s so much more convenient AND more environmentally friendly!

Where Can I Use OMNY?

The completed “phase 1” of the multi-year OMNY project includes over 15,000 OMNY readers at all 472 stations, on all 5,800 buses, and at Staten Island Railway.

Eventually, OMNY will combine fare payments and ticketing across subways, buses, paratransit, and commuter rail.

Where Can I Get OMNY?

For anyone without a smartphone or an aversion to using their credit or debit card, OMNY cards are currently available at retail locations like CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven.  They are also available at the MTA Transit Museum Annex at Grand Central.

Beginning next year, OMNY card vending machines will be available at select stations.

CLICK HERE FOR A RETAIL LOCATOR

How Much is the OMNY Card?

Each card has a $5 purchase price PLUS any money you want to load onto it.  Fares are still $2.75 per ride.

For those who ride often, check out the weekly fare cap.  It’s essentially an updated version of the 7-day unlimited fare.  Take 12 paid OMNY trips with the same device or card starting Monday, and you’ll automatically ride free for the rest of the week through Sunday.

Can I Still Buy MetroCards for My Group?

While MetroCards are still temporarily available, we DO NOT recommend that you buy them for your group travelers.  Here’s why:

• If you buy from a CFSC Check Cashing store, you MUST pay cash.
• Once the cards are gone, the MTA will not supply more.
• If you have a small group of 20 or fewer, you may still be able to purchase at a station vending machine.  However, groups larger than 20 often find that the machine times out after 3-4 transactions using a single credit card.  It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and possibly unreliable.

It’s the Last Stop for MetroCards in NYC

While some may be nostalgic about the pending demise of the iconic card, most are thrilled with the new contactless, and easier-to-use OMNY system.

In a world ruled by convenience, it’s the last stop for MetroCards and time to get on board with OMNY!

10 BIG CITY SAFETY TIPS FOR STUDENT GROUPS

Updated October 2024