Farewell NYC MetroCards: MTA to End Sales
What parents should know about the switch from MetroCards to OMNY
It’s the end of an era for New York City commuters. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has announced that it will stop selling and refilling the iconic MetroCards by the end of 2025. Say goodbye to the familiar swipe-and-go routine that’s been a part of our daily lives since 1994. In its place? The tap-and-go OMNY system, which has been steadily growing since its debut in 2019.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber shared on Wednesday that MetroCards will soon be phased out earlier than expected. The MTA originally planned to bid farewell to the MetroCard by 2027, but now we know the final curtain will drop at the end of next year.
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This shift brings us one step closer to a completely cashless, tech-savvy future. The MetroCard will follow the same path as the subway token, which was discontinued in 2003, becoming another chapter in New York transit history.
So what does this mean for busy NYC parents, daycare runs, and the daily Mom hustle? Here’s everything you need to know.
Hello OMNY
In case you’re not familiar, OMNY, which stands for One Metro New York, has quickly become the future of NYC transit. This sleek, tap-and-go system allows riders to use their smartphones or OMNY tap cards to pay their fare without needing to reload or swipe anything. If you haven’t used it yet, it’s pretty convenient. As you’re heading to work, taking the kids to school, or hopping on a bus, OMNY makes it easy to simply tap your phone or card and be on your way.
Since its introduction in 2019, OMNY has garnered popularity with around 70% of subway and bus riders already using it. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around a worn-out MetroCard wallet. Now, your phone can be your ticket to ride. For parents, that’s one less thing to keep track of when managing getting kids to school on time. It can also be a godsend if your child tends to forget things in the morning.
Don’t Worry, Your MetroCard Won’t Disappear Overnight
The good news for families? The transition is happening gradually. If you’re not quite ready to ditch the MetroCard just yet, there’s plenty of time to get accustomed to the change. MetroCards won’t vanish immediately. The MTA says commuters who still have a balance on their cards will have at least six more months to use them after the end of 2025. So you’ll still be able to swipe away for a little while longer.
Also if you have a MetroCard with a balance, don’t stress about losing those funds. The MTA is offering a solution where you can transfer your balance to an OMNY card or digital OMNY account.
Collecting MetroCards? It’s Now a Thing of the Past
Over the years, MetroCards have become more than just a tool for getting from point A to point B. They’ve become collectibles, with over 400 special edition cards released by the MTA. My kids and I still have the David Bowie Metrocards from 2018.
If you’ve been holding on to your MetroCard as a keepsake from family outings or milestone events, you might want to hang onto them as mementos. They’ll soon become a part of New York City’s iconic transit history.
A Fully OMNY City by 2026?
While the final date for a complete OMNY system hasn’t been announced yet, it’s expected to arrive by late June 2026. At that point, all of New York City’s subway and bus lines will be OMNY-ready.
So while MetroCards may be on their way out, they’ll always have a place in our city’s history. As the MTA transitions to OMNY, parents can take comfort in knowing that the future of commuting will be a little more seamless, a little more digital … and a lot less complicated.
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