Which New York City Subway fare card began replacing tokens in 1993?

The MetroCard began replacing New York City Subway tokens in 1993.

The magnetic-stripe MetroCard was introduced as the city moved toward automated fare collection. Riders swiped the card through turnstiles, allowing the transit authority to support flexible products such as unlimited-ride passes and transfers between subway and bus services. Token use continued during a transition period rather than ending immediately.

The MetroCard also became important to the subway’s fare policy because it made time-based and multi-ride fares practical. Its blue-and-gold design became a familiar part of New York transportation. OMNY, the contactless payment system, was introduced much later and began a new transition away from the MetroCard. The two systems have therefore represented different generations of fare technology: tokens used mechanical turnstiles, MetroCards used magnetic stripes, and OMNY uses contactless payments.