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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is launching the OMNY Card, marking the end of the MetroCard era. On Tuesday, 400 lucky New Yorkers received free OMNY cards at 16 subway stations across the city. These cards were given to the first customers who transferred their MetroCard balances to the new OMNY system at Customer Service Centers.
As the MTA prepares for a full transition to the tap-and-ride system in 2026, MetroCard sales will end on December 31, 2025. However, MetroCards will still be accepted as payment into 2026, with the final acceptance date to be announced later. The OMNY system allows riders to pay fares using digital wallets, contactless credit and debit cards, and the OMNY card itself.
The new OMNY cards, which are black and white, differ from the traditional yellow MetroCard by offering a tap-and-go payment method. Riders can purchase OMNY cards at vending machines in subway stations and select retail stores, such as Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven. The MTA has also announced that free transfers will be available with OMNY cards, and if a card or device is used 12 times in one week, the rest of the trips for that week will be free.
MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara emphasized the ease of the transition, stating, "We want to make sure customers are aware of all the resources available at our growing number of Customer Service Centers across the subway system."
As New York City bids farewell to the MetroCard, the MTA is celebrating its legacy with citywide events and limited-edition experiences through December 31, 2025. Riders can look forward to special MetroCard-themed photo opportunities and other surprises as the city transitions to the new contactless payment system.
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