STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will be retiring the MetroCard after three decades of service. After Wednesday, Dec. 31, straphangers will not be able to buy or refill a MetroCard as the transportation authority prepares to pivot fully to the OMNY tap-and-ride system.
Buying a MetroCard to commemorate the occasion might be difficult on Staten Island, as the MTA recently confirmed that all MetroCard vending machines had been removed from the borough.
While commuters will not be able to buy or refill a MetroCard, the card will still be accepted in 2026.
Anyone still with a MetroCard is advised to spend down the value on their MetroCards or transfer remaining money to an OMNY card.
Leftover balances will be eligible for transfer or reimbursement two years from the expiration date on the MetroCard, the MTA has previously said.
To help with the transition, the MTA has announced several places where Staten Islanders can refill OMNY cards, apply to the reduced fare program, or transfer their remaining MetroCard balances.
Commuters can also use the MTA’s customer service centers, including the one located at the Staten Island Railway’s St. George station, to transfer card balances.
At some point in 2026, the MTA will stop accepting MetroCards as fare payment, though the agency has not announced a specific date.
When that time comes, buses will also no longer accept coins as a form of fare payment.
Next year will also bring an increase to MTA fares and tolls.
Beginning Jan. 4, the fare for trains and local buses will increase from $2.90 to $3. On express buses, the current $7 base fare will become $7.25 per trip.