New York City’s MetroCard, introduced in 1994 as a modern alternative to subway tokens, will be phased out by December 31, 2025, as the transit system transitions to the OMNY contactless payment system. Over 90% of trips are now paid using OMNY, which allows users to tap their devices to pay fares. The MetroCard legacy, celebrated in a recent museum exhibit, included special editions and cultural references but is being replaced to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Critics express concerns about data privacy, while some riders, particularly the elderly, find the transition challenging.
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