The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is sending off the iconic MetroCard in style, announcing a citywide celebration featuring food promotions, pop-up events, and commemorative merchandise as the transit system transitions to the OMNY contactless payment system, according to AMNY.

Through the end of 2025, New Yorkers can enjoy special tribute offers from Carvel, Golden Krust, Zabar’s, Gong cha, Alidoro, and Stretch Pizza by Wylie Dufresne in honor of the MetroCard’s 31-year legacy, the outlet said.

The MTA will host customer outreach events at subway stations, service centers, and MTA Sessions, where riders can pose with nostalgic props like MetroCards, tokens, and tap-and-ride devices, according to the report.

Famous New Yorkers will also join the farewell, lending their voices to commemorate the end of an era.

“We’re sending the MetroCard off in style,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber in a press release. “MetroCard has served us well, but we’re excited for the future of tap-and-ride.”

Featured MetroCard-themed items from restaurants include include: Alidoro – The La Tessera sandwich (“the card” in Italian): crispy chicken cutlet, sweet soppressata, fresh mozzarella, Calabrian chili vodka sauce and garlic pesto cream on a toasted semolina baguette. The sandwich will go on sale Nov. 3. Carvel – MetroCard Flying Saucer, free MetroCard Sprinkles with mention of the MetroCard and purchase of scooped or soft serve ice cream, and custom cakes with edible MetroCard and Cardvaark images. Golden Krust – With purchase of Golden Krust’s signature Jamaican-style patty, customers will receive a free Jamaican coco bread. Gong cha – “The M Tea A Drink,” inspired by Gong cha’s signature Milk Foam Green Tea. The limited edition drink combines green tea, pearls, blue milk foam made with butterfly pea flower, and chocolate powder MTA logo, echoes the colors of the iconic MetroCard.  Stretch Pizza (by Wylie Dufresne) – The Metro pizza has vodka sauce, fior di latte cheese, chicken cutlet, spicy Calabrian chili, garlic pesto cream and grated parm.  Zabar’s – The famous grocery store will have MetroCard and Cardvaark cookies. 

The final day to purchase or refill a MetroCard is Dec. 31, as OMNY becomes the exclusive payment method for subways and buses, according to the report.

The transition coincides with a fare increase in January. The Advance/SILive.com previously reported that base fares will rise from $2.90 to $3, and express bus fares will increase from $7 to $7.25. Riders can learn more about OMNY and upcoming fare changes at https://new.mta.info.

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