The MetroCard has been with us since 1993 (with the MetroCard as we know it, the MetroCard Gold, coming in 1997) and it looks like it isn't going anywhere fast. Despite numerous trials of other payment methods over the years (including cash) the MTA just can't quite quit the aging payment system. Which is a shame since they'd really hoped to be moving on about now.
According to MTA officials, plans to replace those little plastic cards, originally designed to be phased out in 2015, are now looking like they'll see the light of day in 2016 at the earliest. Why? Well, to start the MTA previously assumed that banks would be issuing "smart" credit and debit cards on a mass scale by now, and you know what happens when you assume. So despite all those tests, they just aren't a feasible replacement option.
The problem with waiting, however, is that time is money. Ad-covered MetroCards already have an 80 percent successful swipe rate, and things are getting worse. "MetroCard vending machines and turnstiles are near the end of their useful life," officials told the Daily News, "and are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain."
At this rate we honestly wouldn't be surprised if the MTA ends up skipping the current contactless smart card payment methods and waits until it can use "near field" RFID chips that can be put on cards or phones. Every year rumors swell up that Apple's next iPhone will have the tech built in. Though that, of course, might create even more iCrime incentive...
Still, at least you can refill unlimited MetroCards now. Eh?
