As with all major changes in New York City, the departure of the MetroCard has been met with mixed emotions—a heavy dose of nostalgia, some indifference, and enthusiasm. For those mourning the loss or celebrating the end of the MetroCard, we’ve rounded up all of the ways you can commemorate this chapter in subway history.
The bright yellow, swipe-able cards were introduced to New York City in 1994 when they replaced subway tokens (tokens were discontinued in 2003). Now, the tap-and-pay OMNY system has made MetroCards obsolete by allowing riders to pay with digital wallets, contactless credit cards, and reloadable OMNY cards. Though MetroCard sales end this week, you can still swipe into 2026.
The final acceptance date is yet to be announced.
