MetroCard
| Company type | Payment card system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation fare collection |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | New York City metropolitan area |
Key people | MTA Revenue Control unit, Office of the Executive Vice President |
| Products | Magnetic stripe fare payment card for NYC transit |
| Owner | Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |
The MetroCard serves as a magnetic stripe payment card utilized throughout New York City's transit network, covering the New York City Subway, Staten Island Railway, MTA-operated buses, and affiliated services such as Nassau Inter-County Express, PATH, Roosevelt Island Tramway, AirTrain JFK, and Westchester's Bee-Line Bus System.
Launched in 1994 to upgrade fare collection and phase out tokens, the MetroCard fully replaced tokens by May 2003 on subway lines and by December 2003 on buses. The card system is overseen by the MTA's Revenue Control unit within the Office of the Executive Vice President. MetroCard vending machines are manufactured by Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc..
By early 2019, the MetroCard system had accumulated direct expenses near $1.5 billion. The distribution and sales will cease by December 2025, while existing kiosks and turnstiles will continue functioning until their eventual retirement. The MetroCard is set to be succeeded by OMNY, a contactless fare payment platform enabling riders to use credit/debit cards, smartphones, or MTA-issued smart cards.
History and fares
The idea of implementing a magnetic stripe farecard for the MTA was first proposed in 1983 by then-MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch as a replacement for tokens. Although initially supported, bureaucratic obstacles delayed progress. Funding was approved by the MTA board in 1990, and in 1991 a $100 million contract was awarded to Cubic Transportation Systems to develop the magnetic farecard system.
Installation commenced in October 1992, with the MetroCard name unveiled in April 1993. Pilot testing began in June 1993 with 3,000 cards distributed, and compatible turnstiles were installed at select stations by January 1994. Complete MetroCard acceptance for both buses and subways was achieved on May 14, 1997.
MetroCard designs transitioned from an original blue background with yellow text to blue on goldenrod starting July 1997, coinciding with the introduction of free transfers between buses and subways under the "MetroCard Gold" program. Bonus ride credits were added in January 1998 for purchases exceeding $15. Mid-1998 saw the launch of unlimited ride options including 7-Day and 30-Day Unlimited passes along with an Express Bus Plus premium card. The 1-Day Fun Pass was introduced in 1999. These enhancements played a key role in boosting ridership from 1997 through 1999.
The initial deployment of MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) occurred in January 1999, growing to 347 units across 74 stations by year’s end. Token sales ended in April 2003 and were phased out on buses by May. Concurrent fare adjustments raised the base fare from $1.50 to $2.00; unlimited ride cards and bonus structures were also revised accordingly.
Subsequent fare increases took place in February 2005, March 2008, June 2009, December 2010, March 2015, March 2017, April 2019, and August 2023. These increments affected base fares, unlimited ride passes, express bus rates, and single-ride tickets. Bonus incentives for pay-per-ride MetroCards varied over time before being discontinued in 2019.
In April 2007, MetroCard acceptance expanded to include Westchester County’s Bee-Line Bus System. Advertising opportunities on MetroCards grew from backsides (starting in 1995) to front sides beginning in 2012, enhancing revenue streams.
Following Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, the MTA introduced special transfer policies to assist passengers affected by service disruptions.
In October 2017, plans were announced to phase out MetroCards by 2020 in favor of OMNY—a contactless payment system developed by Cubic that supports Apple Pay, Google Wallet, NFC-enabled bank cards, and RFID cards. MetroCard usage is expected to continue through at least 2023.
In mid-2018, New York City allocated $106 million to subsidize half-fare MetroCards for nearly 800,000 residents living below the federal poverty threshold through the Fair Fares initiative launched in January 2019. The initial phase targeted about 30,000 beneficiaries with intentions to broaden eligibility over time.
The MetroCard itself is sold at a price of $1.
Attributes
Constructed from polyester, MetroCards measure and possess a thickness of . Each card includes a beveled top right corner and a round hole on the left side, aiding users in correctly orienting the card for swiping or insertion into fare devices. When in operation, the card undergoes reading, updating, and verification processes to ensure precise data encoding.
Every stored-value MetroCard carries a distinct ten-digit serial number. The card’s monetary value is encoded magnetically on the card itself, while transaction records are centrally maintained within the Automated Fare Collection (AFC) Database. Upon purchase or reload, the balance is refreshed both on the physical card and in the central system. When swiped at turnstiles, the balance updates locally before syncing with the AFC Database; however, real-time database validation does not occur during each swipe. The AFC system logs all transactions and keeps an updated list of invalid cards—due to loss, theft, expiration, or cancellation—which is disseminated to turnstiles to prevent unauthorized access. This database has also served legal investigations by verifying card usage timelines.
Earlier blue MetroCards were limited to basic pay-per-ride fares only. In contrast, gold MetroCards provide additional features such as accommodating group rides for up to four passengers on a single card and tracking transfers across multiple points. The system was engineered for backward compatibility to ease the transition from blue to gold cards.
Cubic Transportation Systems utilized the MetroCard design as a foundation for developing comparable fare cards for Chicago’s transit network and Puerto Rico’s Tren Urbano. These versions differ solely in branding but share identical physical specifications with the MetroCard.
SingleRide Ticket
Replacing tokens and single-ride cash fares, the SingleRide Ticket is a paper-based ticket embedded with a magnetic stripe, priced at $3.25 for one subway or local bus journey, which includes one complimentary bus transfer. It does not permit transfers between subway and bus services. Sold exclusively at MetroCard Vending Machines located in subway stations, this ticket expires two hours after purchase. Due to these restrictions, it accounted for only 3% of subway ridership in 2009.
While Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards are accepted on PATH trains, the standard SingleRide Ticket is not valid there. PATH issues its own SingleRide ticket priced at $3.00 with a two-hour validity limited to PATH services and offers 2-Trip PATH MetroCards for $6.00.
Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard
The Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard requires an initial purchase fee of $1 and can be loaded with amounts ranging from $5.80 up to $80 in increments of five cents via vending machines; station booths formerly permitted one-cent increments but ceased handling transactions by 2022. Each transaction can add up to $80 on a card whose maximum stored value is capped at $100. Unlimited ride passes are also available for durations of 7 or 30 days.
This card is valid across the NYC Subway system, MTA express/local/Select Bus Service routes, Staten Island Railway, and various external transit providers such as Nassau Inter-County Express, PATH (excluding reduced-fare cards), AirTrain JFK, Roosevelt Island Tramway, and Westchester Bee-Line Bus System.
Fare deductions differ by service: subway and local buses cost $2.90 per ride typically including one free transfer; PATH charges $3.00 without transfers; express buses are priced at $7.00 allowing transfers with subways or non-express buses; BxM4C Bee-Line Bus fares are $7.50 with no transfer privileges; AirTrain JFK costs $8.50 when boarding at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations.
Transfer rules within a two-hour window include:
- One complimentary transfer between subway and local bus routes in either direction
- Transfers between express bus routes
- Connections from bus or subway services to Staten Island Railway
- Certain subway-to-subway transfers between Lexington Avenue–59th Street and Lexington Avenue–63rd Street stations as well as Junius Street to Livonia Avenue stations
- Two sequential free transfers permitted on specified Staten Island bus lines crossing the Staten Island Railway via St. George Ferry Terminal and designated multi-transfer corridors
- A $4.10 fare applies when transferring from local/subway service to express buses
- Coin-based transfers allow only one connecting local bus route
- Passengers transferring to suburban buses with lower base fares must pay the fare difference
- Transfers are not allowed onto BxM4C routes or between PATH and NYC Subway/Bus/MTA Bus services
- Up to four riders may travel together using a single Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard while receiving one free transfer
Balances remaining on expired cards can be transferred to new cards within one year through MetroCard Vending Machines; beyond that period, claims require processing by MTA Customer Claims.
EasyPayXPress MetroCard
The EasyPayXPress MetroCard functions similarly to both pay-per-ride and unlimited MetroCards but is replenished automatically through a linked credit or debit card. Initial account balances begin at either $30 or a 30-day unlimited pass priced at $121. Starting January 2015, customers using the Pay-Per-Ride option receive an automatic $45 refill once their balance drops below $20; however, users can avoid this automatic top-up by making one-time online payments. All regular card policies remain applicable, and users have the ability to track their account status and ride history online. For reduced-fare EasyPay users, the system switches from Pay-Per-Ride to Unlimited rides within the billing cycle once expenditures reach the price of a reduced-fare 30-Day Unlimited card. It is important to note that fares for express buses are excluded, and EasyPay is not valid for PATH train travel. As of March 2025, the EasyPayXPress program was discontinued and replaced by the OMNY system.
AirTrain JFK Discount MetroCard
The AirTrain JFK Discount MetroCard offers ten trips on the AirTrain JFK at a cost of $26.50 and is available exclusively through select MetroCard Vending Machines. After purchase, it can be reloaded and used as a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard. Standard Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards also cover AirTrain fares but do not provide any discount. Additionally, there is a 30-day unlimited AirTrain JFK card priced at $40, which grants unlimited rides solely on the AirTrain.
Unlimited MetroCard
As of 2023, there are four types of Unlimited-ride MetroCards available:
- The 7-Day Unlimited Ride Card costs $34 and allows unlimited subway and local bus travel until midnight seven days after its first use.
- The 30-Day Unlimited Ride Card is priced at $132 and permits unlimited rides on subways and local buses until midnight thirty days after initial use.
- The 7-Day Express Bus Plus Card, costing $64, provides unlimited access to express buses, local buses, and subways until midnight seven days from first activation.
- The 30-Day AirTrain JFK Unlimited Ride Card, at $40, offers unlimited trips on the AirTrain until midnight thirty days after first use; this card is sold only at specific vending machines located at Howard Beach–JFK Airport and Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport stations as well as JFK Airport vendors and does not include transfer privileges.
Unlimited Ride Cards cannot be used again at the same station or bus route within an 18-minute window following a swipe. All MetroCards support refills for either unlimited ride durations (7 or 30 days) or pay-per-ride value; when both are present, unlimited time is used prior to stored monetary value unless it does not apply to the trip taken. Among these options, only the 7-Day Express Bus Plus card is valid on express buses. Unlimited ride benefits do not extend to non-MTA systems such as PATH or AirTrain JFK; for these services, riders must load monetary value onto their cards to gain access. Lost or stolen 30-Day Unlimited and 7-Day Express Bus Plus cards purchased via credit/debit/ATM cards are eligible for pro-rated refunds.
Standard 7- and 30-day unlimited cards are accepted on MTA subways; non-express MTA buses as well as NICE and Bee-Line buses; Roosevelt Island Tramway; and Staten Island Railway. The 7-Day Express Bus Plus card covers only MTA express bus routes. The AirTrain JFK system accepts exclusively its own Unlimited Ride Card.
Student MetroCard
The Student MetroCard was issued to students attending public and private schools within New York City limits, granting free access to NYCT buses and trains based on the distance between their residence and school. Administration of these cards was handled by the NYCDOE Office of Pupil Transportation; however, in NYC these have now been replaced by Student OMNY cards. In Nassau County, individual schools prepay for Student MetroCards for their students, while in Westchester County the cards are sold at $58 per month or $580 for the entire school year.
The DOE distributed color-coded cards: orange for grades K–6; green for grades 7–12; blue-and-purple designated for Nassau County students (valid exclusively on NICE buses); and red cards issued during school bus labor strikes. These cards allowed up to three trips daily with four-trip versions available for students requiring additional transfers. Student MetroCards were accepted on NYC Subway lines, non-express MTA buses, and Staten Island Railway services; however, a half-fare option for non-express buses was discontinued in mid-2019.
Eligibility criteria required students to live beyond certain distances from their schools: more than 0.5 miles for grades K–2; over 1 mile for grades 3–6; and exceeding 1.5 miles for grades 7–12. In May 2019, the MTA resolved to phase out half-fare student MetroCards altogether, issuing only full-fare cards to those who qualify.
MetroCard for Disabled and Senior Citizens at Reduced Fare
Applications for senior citizen MetroCards can be submitted either by mail or directly at the NYC Transit Customer Service Center. These cards function both as photo identification and fare payment, granting half-price travel on the MTA network and express buses during non-peak periods. The discount extends to 7-day and 30-day Unlimited MetroCards as well. Special "Autogate" cards are distributed to individuals with mobility challenges and are compatible with wheelchair-accessible station entrances. While earlier cards featured gender-specific color coding on the reverse side, recent editions have adopted a gender-neutral design with white backs and black text; the front retains its gold appearance. Temporary replacement cards come in purple without a photo or blue for Autogate users; however, lost card balances are not reimbursed. Additionally, a Senior & Disabled Reduced-Fare EasyPay card with automatic replenishment is offered.
These reduced-fare cards are accepted wherever Pay-Per-Ride or time-based MetroCards are valid, excluding PATH services and morning tickets bound for NYC on the LIRR and Metro-North. They are not valid at PATH stations. Eligible riders lacking a reduced-fare card may purchase full-fare round-trip MetroCards from station agents upon presenting proof of eligibility.
The program has encountered criticism due to replacement card delays extending up to three months. Starting in late 2024, the Reduced Fare MetroCard began transitioning to the MTA’s OMNY system, gradually discontinuing MetroCard usage.
Fair Fares MetroCard
Introduced in January 2019, the Fair Fares MetroCard initiative aims to assist low-income New Yorkers, including veterans, residents of NYCHA housing, CUNY students, and recipients of Department of Social Services aid. Qualified individuals receive notifications inviting them to register online for half-priced Pay-Per-Ride or time-based fare options. This card is valid on local, limited, Select buses, subways, and Staten Island Railway services.
In mid-2024, DSS and HRA launched a pilot program distributing OMNY cards to select Fair Fares participants. Beginning February 2025, newly eligible recipients will receive OMNY cards automatically; current users can choose to switch immediately or continue using their MetroCard until it expires.
Emergency Service MetroCards
Emergency MetroCards are issued to active-duty police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical responders, allowing subway access during crisis situations.
MetroCard Bus Transfer
The MetroCard Bus Transfer is available upon request for passengers paying cash on buses that accept MetroCard. This transfer ticket must be inserted into the fare box of the second bus, where it is retained. Transfers between the Westchester Bee-Line, Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE), and MTA New York City Transit bus systems incur no additional charge when using a MetroCard. Unlike the SingleRide MetroCard, this paper transfer does not provide subway entry.
For suburban transfers where the initial fare is lower than that of the connecting bus, passengers must pay the fare difference upon boarding the second vehicle. Transfers from NICE buses to New York City Transit buses require no extra payment.
The predecessor of this system was paper bus transfer tickets color-coded by time frame, borough, or direction with an expiration marked by a perforated tear line. A similar version remains in use as the "General Order Transfer" or "block ticket," issued during service interruptions to permit re-entry at alternate locations via shuttle buses.
Purchase options
A $1 charge applies to all new MetroCard acquisitions, except for those obtained by reduced-fare riders or when exchanging damaged or expired cards. Adding value to existing cards does not incur this fee.
Subway station booths
By 2022, staffed station booths ceased handling transactions, with personnel reassigned elsewhere within the stations. Previously, every MTA subway station featured staffed booths that sold all types of MetroCards except SingleRide tickets—which remain available exclusively at vending machines—and fare cards for other transit systems such as AirTrain JFK and PATH. These booth transactions accepted cash only.
MetroCard vending machines
MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) are deployed throughout all subway and PATH stations, Staten Island Ferry terminals, Roosevelt Island Tramway stations, and transit hubs including Hempstead, Eltingville, and LaGuardia Airport’s Central Terminal.
Launched on January 25, 1999, there are two categories of MVMs. Standard machines, present in every subway station, accept cash, credit, and debit cards; they require cash payment for amounts under $1 and provide up to $6 in coin change. These units also facilitate reloading of current MetroCards. MetroCard Express Machines (MEMs) are more compact and accept only credit or debit cards. Both types include touchscreen displays and comply with ADA standards by offering Braille labels and headphone jacks for audio guidance. Use of credit or debit cards is limited to two transactions daily. Additionally, PATH fare vending machines dispense MetroCards.
Expired MetroCards may be replaced within one year after expiration at MVMs or MEMs by selecting the Refill option, which transfers any remaining balance onto a new card without an additional replacement fee.
With the gradual discontinuation of the MetroCard system, some vending machines are being removed. In April 2025, the Court Square–23rd Street, 21st Street–Queensbridge, and Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street stations became the initial NYC Subway locations to fully eliminate all MetroCard vending machines.
MetroCard bus and van
Mobile MetroCard sales units—including a retired bus repurposed for this function—and vans regularly visit designated sites across New York City and Westchester County, typically stopping for either a full day or half-day. Customers can purchase new MetroCards or add value directly from these vehicles. Additionally, applications for reduced-fare MetroCards—including photographic processing—are managed onboard.
The MetroCard van serves all five boroughs as well as Westchester County, whereas the MetroCard bus operates within Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and select areas of Brooklyn.
Neighborhood MetroCard merchants
Local retailers can apply to become authorized sellers of MTA fare media, offering only prepackaged, preloaded cards without any additional fees. A comprehensive list of neighborhood MetroCard merchants is accessible via the MTA website.
Commuter railroad ticket vending machines
Ticket vending machines (TVMs) on the MTA’s commuter railroads—Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad—provide sales of combined tickets/passes along with MetroCards. Available options include a $5.50 MetroCard bundled with round-trip tickets, a $50 MetroCard paired with monthly passes, and standalone $25 MetroCards. At Jamaica station and Penn Station, TVMs also vend AirTrain JFK monthly passes linked to LIRR tickets. These fare cards are printed on thick paper stock rather than plastic. As of May 25, 2025, TVMs have discontinued selling MetroCards.
Since 2007, NJ Transit ticket vending machines at Hudson–Bergen Light Rail stations have offered combined HBLR monthly passes alongside monthly MetroCards coinciding with the introduction of the S89 bus route.
Future Developments
In 2006, the MTA and Port Authority revealed intentions to phase out magnetic stripe cards in favor of smart cards.
Starting July 1, 2006, the MTA initiated a six-month pilot program to evaluate a contactless smart card fare system. Originally scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2006, the trial period was extended through May 31, 2007. This pilot encompassed all stations along the IRT Lexington Avenue Line as well as selected locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Participants used Citibank MasterCard Paypass keytags to facilitate fare payments. The objective was to alleviate congestion by accelerating the payment process. The MTA and associated regional transit agencies intended to implement this technology across the entire network eventually.
OMNY
In October 2017, the MTA awarded a $573 million contract to Cubic Transportation Systems for the development of OMNY (One Metro New York), a contactless fare collection system. Commuters are able to pay fares by tapping credit or debit bank cards, smartphones, or MTA-issued smart cards. This technology originated from Transport for London and was licensed to Cubic for worldwide deployment.
The MTA planned a phased six-year rollout featuring new electronic readers and ticket vending machines, with an initial limited launch beginning in May 2019. The ultimate goal was to fully retire the MetroCard by 2024; however, this target date was not achieved.
On March 19, 2025, the MTA declared that MetroCard sales would cease in December 2025. Cards already purchased will remain valid until the removal of turnstiles and vending machines at a future time.
Unauthorized Resale and Fraudulent Schemes
The MetroCard system has been subject to unauthorized resale practices known as "selling swipes," where individuals profit by offering discounted subway access through tampered or unlimited ride MetroCards. A 2004 estimate placed the annual financial loss from this activity at approximately $260,000 for the MTA.
Perpetrators have been known to vandalize MetroCard vending machines to attract clientele, resulting in nearly half of Manhattan’s broken machines being damaged in this manner and costing $26.5 million in repairs by 2017. An enforced 18-minute interval between unlimited ride uses and their associated costs has constrained the widespread adoption of this tactic.
More frequently encountered is a method involving precise bending of expired MetroCards to secure an additional free ride. This exploits a secondary data segment on the magnetic stripe that signals one remaining fare. Initially unlimited, software enhancements have since restricted this loophole to a single extra use per card by requiring multiple swipes that clear residual value data.
Legal repercussions for bending MetroCards include charges of petit larceny and "unauthorized sale of transportation services." The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has pursued felony forgery charges against individuals found with manipulated cards. Despite criticism regarding technical interpretations of MetroCard data alteration, the New York State Court of Appeals affirmed these charges in 2009. Due to the proprietary nature of MetroCard technology and absence of public documentation, legal debates persist over whether a bent card qualifies as a "forged instrument."
The introduction of a $1 fee for new MetroCards in 2013 helped curb bent-card resale by incentivizing users to reuse existing cards, thereby reducing the availability of discarded cards exploited by swipers. Nonetheless, bent card sales continue, with ongoing prosecutions under forgery statutes.
MetroCards are resistant to digital cloning because of proprietary magnetic stripe encoding developed by contractor Cubic. Conventional magstripe readers cannot decode them without hardware modifications and specialized software. Hackers have managed to extract MetroCard data by converting magnetic signals into binary using sound card inputs and have created Linux-based tools for analysis. While duplicates can provide temporary access, they are typically invalidated when discrepancies between fare usage and records are detected within the AFC database.
Limited editions
The MTA has released special edition MetroCards to honor significant occasions, notable individuals, and iconic landmarks.
Back side designs
Throughout much of the MetroCard’s existence, artwork appeared exclusively on the reverse side. These included depictions of the Statue of Liberty, New York City’s bid for the 2012 Olympics, an exhibit at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Additionally, major sporting events such as the Subway Series, the 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII, and the 2014–15 NBA season of the Brooklyn Nets were also celebrated.
In 2017, MetroCards featuring branding from Supreme were distributed at eight subway stations; these became highly collectible and commanded resale prices in the hundreds of dollars. To mark the 25th anniversary of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, limited-edition MetroCards showcasing Mariska Hargitay were issued in 2024.
Front side designs
The MTA introduced advertising on the front of MetroCards starting in 2012. One early example was the I Love New York card released in October 2013, with a print run of 300,000 to commemorate Hurricane Sandy. Beginning in December 2018, 250,000 MetroCards themed around Game of Thrones were made available at Grand Central–42nd Street station to celebrate the series’ final season; these came in four distinct designs. In May 2019, coinciding with the unveiling of Memorial Glade at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a batch of 250,000 MetroCards depicting first responders at the World Trade Center site was distributed across ten stations located in Lower Manhattan, Midtown, and Brooklyn.
June 2019 saw the release of pride-themed MetroCards honoring Stonewall 50 - WorldPride NYC 2019. Veterans Day-themed cards were issued in November 2020 at six stations spanning Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and The Bronx. In 2023, special edition cards paid tribute to influential hip-hop artists including Cam'ron, LL Cool J, Rakim, and Pop Smoke. The following year featured commemorative MetroCards celebrating rapper Ice Spice’s debut album.
As part of the gradual discontinuation of the MetroCard system in May 2024, the MTA announced two final front-side designs. The second-to-last commemorative card highlighted Olivia Rodrigo and was released in October 2024. The concluding promotional card was a partnership with Instagram, showcasing social media personalities "New York Nico", "SubwayTakes," and "Overheard NY", launched in December 2024.