The MTA is ending the sale of MetroCards by the end of 2023, marking the end of a 32-year tradition. This shift to the OMNY contactless payment system has faced challenges such as budget overruns and delays associated with the pandemic. Currently, OMNY is used by 85% of full-fare riders and 65% of subway and bus trips, but adoption among reduced-fare riders remains low. Despite this transition, MetroCards will still be usable during a transition period, as specific timelines for their cessation are yet to be announced.
The MTA will stop selling MetroCards by the end of this year, officially concluding a 32-year era and fully transitioning to the OMNY contactless payment system.
OMNY has been adopted more by full fare riders at 85%, yet reduced-fare participation remains low at 55%, highlighting a slow adoption among less frequent riders.
Transit advocates envisioned OMNY fostering all-door boarding on city buses, a vital method to enhance efficiency, though the MTA remains hesitant about adopting this feature.
Despite the discontinuation of MetroCards sales, they will still be accepted for a period, with the MTA yet to announce a final acceptance date.
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