MetroCard

The MetroCard is a rectangular plastic card used for fare payment on the New York City Subway, Staten Island Railway, and many bus routes operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). It was introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the traditional token system. MetroCards come in various forms, including pay-per-ride cards and unlimited ride passes. Pay-per-ride cards can be loaded with a monetary value, and fares are deducted with each trip. Unlimited ride passes offer a fixed number of days or trips for a set price, allowing unlimited travel within the specified period.

The card utilizes magnetic stripe technology and can be purchased at vending machines located in subway stations and at authorized retailers. Users swipe the MetroCard through a reader at the turnstile or on the bus to pay their fare. There are also options for transfers between subway and bus lines, or between different bus routes, often at a reduced fare. While initially widely adopted, the MTA has been transitioning towards a contactless fare payment system called OMNY, which allows riders to tap their contactless credit or debit cards or smart devices to pay. However, MetroCards remain in circulation and are still a valid method of payment.