The MetroCard is the current payment method for the New York Subway (metro) system as well as for buses in the New York City Transit system. It is a thin, plastic card on which the customer electronically loads fares. It was introduced to enhance the technology of the transit system and reduce the burden of carrying and collecting tokens. The MetroCard is handled by a division of MTA Transit known as MetroCard Operations and manfactured by the Cubic Corporation.
Each MetroCard is assigned a unique, permanent ten-digit serial number when it is manufactured. The value of a card is stored magnetically on the card itself, while the card's transaction history is held centrally in the Automated Fare Collection (AFC) Database. When a card is purchased and fares are loaded onto it, the MetroCard Vending Machine or station agent stores the amount of the purchase onto the card and updates the database, identifying the card by its serial number. Whenever the card is swiped at a turnstile, the value of the card is read, the new value is written, and the central database is updated with the new transaction. The AFC Database is necessary to maintain transaction records to track a card if needed. It has actually been used to acquit criminal suspects by placing them away from the scene of a crime. The database also stores a Negative List, a list of MetroCards that have been invalidated for various reasons, and shares it with turnstiles in order to deny access to a revoked card.
These booths are located in all subway stations and are run by station agents. Every MetroCard can be purchased at a booth with the exception of the 1-Day Fun Pass. Only cash is accepted for a transaction, $50 bills are only accepted with a purchase of $30 or more, and $100 bills only with a $70 or greater purchase.
MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) are machines located in most subway stations that sell MetroCards. They were first introduced in January 1999 and can now be found in two models. Standard MVMs are large vending machines that accept cash, credit cards, and ATM or debit cards in order to purchase a MetroCard for use on a subway or bus. They return up to $6 in coin change for every transaction. There are also much smaller versions of these machines that only accept credit and ATM/debit cards. Both machines allow a customer to purchase every type of MetroCard through a touch-screen hierarchical menu. After payment, the MetroCard is dispensed, along with an optional paper transaction receipt. The MVM can also add fares or unlimited rides to a used MetroCard. They are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 through use of braille and a headset. MetroCard Vending Machines run on Microsoft Windows NT Version 4.0 SP6 and are designed by Antenna Design, an industrial design company based in Manhattan.
There is one MetroCard Van and two MetroCard Buses that travel throughout New York City, making stops at scheduled locations. MetroCards can be purchased or refilled directly from these vehicles. Schedules are available on the MTA website.
As well as at subway stations, the MetroCard can be purchased at any participating vendor. This includes hundreds of stores across New York City that sell sealed, pre-paid MetroCards for face value. A comprehensive listing can be found on the MTA website.
History
Technology
Fare Info
Single-Ride MetroCards
Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards
Accepted at:Unlimited Ride MetroCards
Accepted at:Purchase Options
Subway Station Booths
MetroCard Vending Machines
MetroCard Bus and Van
Neighborhood MetroCard Merchants
External Links