When the MetroCard replaced the New York subway token in 1994, the swipeable plastic card brought much-needed modernity to one of the world’s oldest and largest transportation systems. Now, more than three decades later, the gold-colored card and its notoriously finicky magnetic stripe are following the token into retirement. The last day to buy or top up a MetroCard is December 31, 2025, as the transit system fully transitions to OMNY, a contactless payment system that allows riders to hold up their credit card, phone or other smart device to pay for fares, much like they do for other everyday purchases. Story by Simon Moritz.



Source link