OMNY vending machines arrive as we say goodbye to the yellow MetroCard

The yellow MetroCard, part of New York’s subway culture since 1993, is familiar to almost every commuter. But with the MTA moving fully to OMNY next year, some retailers have already stopped selling MetroCards, and many Sunset Park stations are replacing MetroCard vending machines with the new OMNY machines.

OMNY accepts tap-to-pay from smartphones and watches, as well as a physical OMNY card. The physical card currently costs $1 and can be purchased or reloaded online, at retail locations, and in stations. Unlike the MetroCard’s 7-day or 30-day unlimited passes, OMNY uses a rolling weekly fare cap—you’ll pay no more than the cost of 12 rides in any seven-day period.

Old to new: some riders need more time

“More than ten years ago, I bought a monthly MetroCard as soon as I got off the plane from China—back when it was $92, now it’s $132,” said Ms. Lin, who was buying a MetroCard at the 36 St station. Because of her job, she can take the subway and bus up to six times a day, so the monthly plan has been a great value.

“I’ve used the MetroCard for so long that I’m just used to it,” she added. The younger people in her family already use OMNY, but she’s stuck with the MetroCard even after her son explained OMNY’s savings. “I’ll use it until the very end and then switch. I’m letting myself accept the change slowly.”

Saying goodbye to a small piece of being a New Yorker

How do you spot a “real New Yorker”? Everyone has their tells. For Esther Xu, it was the MetroCard swipe. “You had to master the temperamental machine—your swipe couldn’t be too fast or too slow. That’s a skill only true New Yorkers perfected,” she said.

Xu has lived in Sunset Park for nearly a decade, and the yellow card has sat in her phone wallet just as long. “OMNY is obviously more convenient,” she said. “But saying goodbye to something you used for so long still feels a little strange. The yellow card holds some sentimental value for me.”

Most Sunset Park stations now sell OMNY cards

As of now, most stations across Sunset Park have OMNY vending machines installed. Riders will find only a few remaining MetroCard machines at Prospect Ave, 25 St, 36 St, and 45 St. Starting this fall, the MTA plans another round of changes: more OMNY machines in stations and more retailers ending MetroCard sales, with all locations stopping sales on December 31. However, MetroCards will continue to be accepted into 2026.

Current MetroCard holders can either use up their remaining balance or visit major stations — including Atlantic Avenue, Coney Island, Times Square, and Penn Station — to speak with customer service about transferring value to OMNY or requesting a refund.