MetroCard’s end feels like a gut punch

To the Editor,

The two main groups relying on New York City’s mass transit system are those who pay and those who don’t. Sometimes, it seems that the number of fare beaters exceeds the number of payees. According to the MTA, the agency lost an estimated $800 million to fare and toll evasion in 2024. Yet for their steadfastness and cooperation, payers are getting a serious beatdown.

At the bus stop, fare beaters get on first and they are the first to be seated. Steps taken by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the MTA have been discouraging. The contactless, virtually glitch less, ultra-thin MetroCard, which has served New Yorkers for more than 30 years, is being replaced by the contactless OMNY system, which is not yet glitch-free. However, it allows users to pay with their bank cards, mobile devices and a not-as-thin OMNY card.

In a survey conducted during the summer by the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, a consumer advocacy group, some riders using the OMNY tap-and-go payment system complained of having to tap more than once to register payments. Other complaints included delayed and extra charges.

Why eliminate the MetroCard — one of three payment methods — especially when the others remain in place? For paying customers who are comfortable using the contactless MetroCard, this may feel like a gut punch. However, the MTA expects to save $20 million or more annually in reproduction and distribution costs once the MetroCard is eliminated.

In the coming months, a 10-cent hike will raise the fare for subway and bus riders to $3. But who will pay — those who currently pay or those who don’t?

CASSANDRA TAYLOR