NYC Subway to Use High-Tech Method to Pay for Rides Starting 2019

Starting 2019, the New York City subway plans to introduce a new technology to pay for rides while phasing out the old one, also known as the MetroCard.

On Monday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) took the decision to scrap the MetroCard and let riders “tap” their way into subway stations and onto buses. The system has been successfully implemented in London.

On Wednesday, the MTA will vote on a plan to award the creator of the MetroCard, the Cubic Transportation Systems, $573 million. MTA Chairman Joe Lhota noted that more and more people pay for coffee, for instance, with a simple tap-and-go. He thinks this is the way fares should be paid for in the future.

The agency plans to get rid of the MetroCard in 2023 and fully replace it with the new tech. Officials said the old tech is too costly to maintain.

The MetroCard Gone by 2023

Starting 2019, riders will be able to access turnstiles by taping a smartphone or bank card. The system will be implemented at 500 turnstiles. The new tech will enable the MTA to test a pilot program that generates a proof of payment on all its 600 buses.

Meanwhile people that don’t own a smartphone or a bank account will still be able to use the MetroCard. In 2020, all stations will be equipped with the tap-and-go technology, while in 2021, the subway authority will roll out a tap card. By 2023, the MetroCard will be completely gone.

MTA is over thrilled with the new system because it is cheaper, turnstiles will no longer need to be cleaned, and passengers won’t get stuck behind somebody who doesn’t know how to use the MetroCard.

MTA pledged to stick to the proposed timeline and implement the new system without delays.
Image Source: Wikimedia

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Anne-Marie Jackson

Anna grew up on a steady diet of 20th century literature, science-fiction movies and Viking lore. Unsurprisingly she turned into a technology geek with an inclination for history & fantasy.