Anyone who has traveled to New York in the last decades surely had or has a card like this as a souvenir.
The Metrocard was the system by which one could travel on the Big Apple’s public transportation system. Plastic, but much thinner than a credit card, so it was also very flexible.
The card had an expiration date printed on it and until that day it could be reloaded without problems.
But whatever date you still have… THEY ALL EXPIRE SOON. This is because from January 1, 2026, they will no longer be able to be recharged and the available balance can be used during 2026. But there will be no way to buy new ones… only collectible ones that were printed for three decades
Everything will now be under the OMNY system that has been used for several years in the city, which allows payment with direct credit cards through the contactless use of direct plastic or the Google Wallet and Apple Pay systems without problems.
On the Metrocard you could buy weekly passes, but OMNY has adapted that a few years ago and it works like in London for example
OMNY has «fare capping»:
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You pay for individual trips.
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When you reach the value of weekly passthe rest of the trips that week depart $0.
And data for those who travel and start using it
Practical use
Table of Contents
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To use always the same payment method (same card or same cell phone) so that the weekly limit runs.
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If several travel together, each one with his card (it is no use supporting it several times).
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In groups it is supported when going upnot when going down.
- On the subway only when entering, not like in London
In short, if you have a Metrocard, keep it as a souvenir… it doesn’t matter anymore.
If you travel to NYC, configure a card in your cell phone wallet, there is even an option on Apple and Android that allows you to mark a specific card for transportation and that works perfectly in New York where it prevents you from having to unlock it.
If instead you use the direct card method, have it on hand and always use the same one
Summary
Goodbye to the MetroCard in New York: During 2026, the OMNY system will be the only means of payment in the city’s subways and buses. MetroCards are no longer sold or recharged and access is done simply by placing a contactless card, cell phone or a physical OMNY card at the turnstiles. The system also has a “weekly cap”: once you reach the value of a pass, subsequent trips are not charged. For tourists, it is simpler, faster and avoids purchasing passes in advance.
Data for New York: hotels, flights, excursions, eSIM
HOTEL PRICES IN PESOS FOR QUICK REFERENCE, BUT THEY ARE CONTRACTED IN DOLLARS
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