First introduced in 1994, the MetroCard is a staple of everyday life for millions of New Yorkers who use the subway to get around the city.
However, after celebrating its 20th birthday, it seems that the MetroCard would soon be taken out of service—according to MTA spokesperson Kevin Ortiz, “MetroCards is a system that is reaching the end of its useful life”.
Iconic as it is, the MetroCard is easy to lose and environmentally unfriendly—the machines and infrastructure necessary for its operation is also expensive to maintain.
While it is still unclear what is going to replace the familiar MetroCard, there has been speculation that it may involve a ticketless system powered by smartphones or some form of mobile ticketing.
Are you glad or sad to see the MetroCard go?
[via Fast Co. Design]