When did the MTA stop selling MetroCards?

The MTA officially discontinued MetroCards for purchase on December 31, transitioning to the OMNY system.

How much are old MetroCards selling for?

Expired MetroCards are being resold for prices ranging from $6 to $5,000 on platforms like eBay.

What is replacing the MetroCard in New York City?

New York City's MTA has replaced the MetroCard with a contactless payment system called OMNY, which accepts digital wallets and contactless cards.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Plastic Past: NYC MetroCards Sell for Thousands

Plastic Past: NYC MetroCards Sell for Thousands

5 Jan

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Summary

MetroCards officially retired on December 31, replaced by OMNY.
Expired MetroCards now selling for up to $5,000 on eBay.
Artist Thomas McKean creates intricate collages from MetroCards.

Plastic Past: NYC MetroCards Sell for Thousands

The New York City MetroCard, a fixture of public transit since 1994, has officially been retired as of December 31. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has completed its transition to a contactless payment system, allowing riders to use digital wallets, credit cards, or OMNY cards. This move signals the end of an era for the familiar yellow plastic payment method.

Despite being out of circulation, MetroCards are finding new life on resale platforms like eBay. Prices range from $6 to an astonishing $5,000, with collectible items like original debut cards and special edition designs commanding higher values. Even older subway tokens, phased out in 2003, are available for modest sums.

Beyond resale, MetroCards are inspiring artistic expression. Artist Thomas McKean transforms discarded cards into intricate collages and sculptures, viewing the MetroCard as a "magical object" that once connected New Yorkers. This artistic embrace ensures the legacy of the MetroCard continues, even as OMNY becomes the new standard for transit payments.