I'm Going to Miss It: The Art of the MetroCard

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The End of an Era for the MetroCard

New York City is bidding farewell to one of its most iconic symbols: the MetroCard. Once a staple of daily life for millions of commuters, the plastic card has reached the end of its journey. Sales of the MetroCard officially ended on December 31, marking the conclusion of an era that spanned decades.

For many New Yorkers, the MetroCard was more than just a payment method—it was a piece of the city’s identity. Artists, collectors, and everyday riders have all found unique value in these small, thin cards. Among them is Juan Carlos Pinto, a Brooklyn-based artist who has spent over 20 years creating mosaics from MetroCards.

A Legacy in Art

Pinto's work reflects the essence of New York City. His mosaics are made by cutting and arranging pieces of MetroCards into intricate portraits and scenes. He describes the cards as representing the life of a New Yorker. “I’m going to miss it,” he said. “I’ve been working with a piece of New York for so long. My pieces always have something to do with New York.”

Pinto still has about 10 bricks—each the size of a business card box—that he can use to continue his art for a few more years. His latest project features a new piece depicting Mayor Mamdani, created entirely from MetroCard fragments. The artwork will be showcased at the Ilon Art Gallery on West 123rd Street in Harlem.

The Transition to OMNY

While the MetroCard is no longer available for purchase, it will remain in use until at least spring 2026. Riders can still use their existing cards with a balance, but the future belongs to the tap-and-go payment system known as OMNY. This system, which stands for One Metro New York, has become the preferred method for over 90% of subway and bus riders.

OMNY allows for seamless transactions using contactless payments, making it faster and more convenient for commuters. As the MetroCard fades into history, OMNY represents the next chapter in New York’s public transportation evolution.

Collectors and Artists Keep the Legacy Alive

Despite the end of sales, the MetroCard remains highly sought after by collectors and artists. In the past, these cards were often discarded or littered around subway stations. However, their cultural significance has led to a renewed appreciation for them.

Artists like Pinto have turned the discarded cards into meaningful works of art, preserving a piece of New York’s history. For some, the MetroCard is not just a means of travel, but a symbol of the city’s vibrant and ever-changing character.

Final Thoughts

The MetroCard may be disappearing from the shelves, but its impact on New York City will not be forgotten. From the streets of Brooklyn to the galleries of Harlem, the legacy of the MetroCard lives on through the creativity and memories of those who used it. As the city moves forward with OMNY, the story of the MetroCard serves as a reminder of the past and the enduring spirit of New York.