MTA Will Stop Selling MetroCards On Dec. 31, Shift To OMNY System

NEW YORK CITY — MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced on Wednesday that the agency will stop selling and refilling MetroCards by the end of the year, with the OMNY system now taking over.

The final day for MetroCard sales and distribution will be December 31, 2025, Lieber said at a Crain's Power Breakfast event.

“After 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in on the fare payment system of the future,” Lieber said in a statement. “Tap-and-go – already the choice for 65% of our riders – is not only easier and more convenient to use, it also opens the door for new discounts and promotions that’ll put money back in riders’ pockets.”

MetroCards have been in use since 1994 and fully replaced the subway token in 2003.

“While there’s no doubt the MetroCard will remain an iconic New York City symbol, tap-and-go fare payment has been a game changer for everyday riders and visitors, saving them the guessing game on what fare package is most cost-efficient for their travels and making using NYC’s transit system much easier,” MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara said.“This is a prime example of how we’re leveraging new technology to modernize our systems and create a better customer experience.”

MetroCards will still be accepted into 2026 and the official final acceptance date has not been announced. Customers are encouraged to spend down the value on their MetroCards, remaining balances will be eligible for transfer or reimbursement two years from the expiration date on the MetroCard.

This is a breaking news story. This post will be updated.