End of an era: MetroCard machines in New York will be decommissioned by 2023

First, the dismantling of payphones throughout New York, and now the last days of MetroCard machines have arrived. The vending machines that have been at every New York City subway station since 1999 will disappear next year. Yahoo News.

According to a New York City Transportation Authority (MTA) tweet, MetroCard machines will be phased out in the not too distant future. They will be replaced by OMNY machines.

This makes us wonder what the future of New York City subway transportation will look like.

About OMNY

One Metro New York, known as OMNY, began rolling out to subway stations and buses in 2019 to phase out the MetroCard. This contactless fare system allows passengers to use their credit or debit card, as well as their smartphone, at metro and bus turnstiles.

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The service is currently available at all 472 subway stations in all 5 NYC boroughs, as well as on all MTA buses. In the coming months, discount fares will also be available through OMNY, as long as the system only processes full fare payments.

MTA plan to phase out the MetroCard

The MTA plans to phase out the use of MetroCards and MetroCard machines by the end of 2023. By that time, OMNY will be fully able to perform all the functions of the MetroCard.

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If you don't have a bank account or a smartphone, then you can buy an OMNY card from CVS, Walgreens, and some other stores. The new OMNY vending machines will allow travelers to purchase reusable and disposable OMNY cards.

The end of an era is near, but we will never forget the iconic MetroCard.