Overview
- Dec. 31 was the last day to buy or refill a MetroCard as the MTA retires the three-decade-old swipe system.
- Existing MetroCards will still be accepted into 2026, with the final cutoff date to be announced.
- OMNY enables tap-to-pay with bank cards, phones, and OMNY cards, and will cap weekly fares at $35 once the base fare reaches $3.
- The MTA projects at least $20 million in annual savings from ending MetroCard operations.
- Rollout challenges persisted with removed MetroCard machines, long lines at OMNY kiosks, and a consultant cautioning full OMNY completion may extend to late 2026, as New Yorkers marked the transition with public farewells and a Transit Museum exhibit.