Approximately 98% of New York City transit riders have adopted the OMNY tap-and-pay system over six months after the MTA switched to its OMNY tap-and-pay system. While the agency ended MetroCard sales on January 1, 2026, it continues to accept the cards and coin payments on buses for a limited number of users, according to MTA spokesperson Michael Cortez.
MTA MetroCard Sales End as OMNY Adoption Hits 98%
The MTA officially ceased the sale of MetroCards at the start of 2026, ending a three-decade era for the yellow-and-blue plastic cards. To facilitate the transition, the agency removed all vending machines used for purchasing and refilling cards by the end of last year and has begun removing swipe slots from fare gates, according to Michael Cortez.
Despite the end of sales, the agency still accepts MetroCards on buses and in the subway. Brian Fritsch, associate director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, stated that remaining users are typically spending down leftover balances or using stacks of single-use cards.
Did You Know? MTA chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced the final day for MetroCard sales as Dec. 31, 2025, during a Crain’s Power Breakfast on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Challenges for Seniors and Specialized Transit Users
Coin payments remain an option on buses, a method Cortez says is primarily used by seniors. In response, the MTA’s Government and Community Relations team is visiting hospitals, houses of worship, and senior centers to teach riders how to use OMNY.
Some riders report difficulties with the transition. Sonia Rosario, a 73-year-old Bronx resident with COPD, told amNewYork that she possesses a senior citizen discount MetroCard with a remaining balance she cannot recover from the MTA. Because she now uses Access-a-Ride, she has not used the card recently and cannot transfer the funds to her son due to the card’s senior citizen status.
AirTrain JFK and Youth Program Transitions
A significant block of late adopters included JFK Airport employees. According to Port Authority spokesperson Seth Stein, bulk trip discounts for airport workers weren’t available via OMNY until June 11 of this year, though readers were installed in 2023.
Stein confirmed that MetroCards remained available for these employees between January and June to bridge the gap. MetroCards will continue to be accepted on AirTrain JFK as the MTA completes the transition to tap and ride.
The city’s Summer Youth Employment Program also contributed to lingering MetroCard use. Mark Zustovich of the Department of Youth and Community Development noted that while the program is transitioning to OMNY, some participants were still distributed from an existing supply of MetroCards this year.
Future Phase-Out of Non-OMNY Payments
The MTA has not yet set a definitive date to stop accepting all non-OMNY payments. However, Cortez noted that officials said last year that coin payments on buses would stop in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the MTA stop selling MetroCards?
Sales ended on January 1, 2026, following an announcement by chair and CEO Janno Lieber that the final day for sales would be Dec. 31, 2025.
Can riders still use MetroCards if they already have one?
Yes, the MTA continues to accept MetroCard payments in the subway and on buses for those spending down remaining balances.
Why were MetroCards still used at JFK Airport after the sales end date?
According to the Port Authority, bulk trip discounts for airport employees were not available via OMNY until June 11, necessitating the continued availability of MetroCards for those workers.
How do you feel about the complete removal of physical fare cards in favor of tap-to-pay systems?
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