The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York has announced that it will halt the sale of the MetroCard by the end of 2023 after its two-decade operation. This change is part of a broader transition to contactless payment methods such as NFC-enabled credit cards and mobile apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay for subway fare transactions.
New York has been utilizing the OMNY system, which allows riders to tap their devices for fare payment, for several years. Other transit systems in major cities such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., have also begun adopting similar technologies. In contrast, some cities, especially outside the U.S., have had contactless payment systems for a longer duration, while others still rely on outdated methods like card swipes.
Despite these advancements, the new payment systems are met with skepticism from many riders, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who may not have access to necessary technology such as smartphones or bank accounts. Additionally, concerns about potential security vulnerabilities leading to fraud are ongoing. The pandemic has spurred a faster adoption of contactless systems as officials sought safer payment methods.
In New York, the security of the OMNY system was scrutinized due to issues that could enable location tracking, prompting the MTA to address these concerns swiftly. By July 2025, the MTA reported that approximately 75% of transit riders were using the OMNY system. However, riders have expressed frustrations regarding missing payments and customer service delays, although feedback overall remains relatively positive.
As transit agencies nationwide navigate financial deficits and decreased ridership levels following the pandemic, it remains uncertain whether contactless payments alone can revitalize public transportation. A multifaceted approach, including improvements in service and urban design, may be necessary to attract more riders.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/column/789127/tap-to-pay-public-transportation