New York City to Replace MetroCard With New Payment System That Supports Apple Pay

A committee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has approved a $573 million contract for a new payment system that will replace the MetroCard in New York City, reports the New York Times. The system will be adapted from the one in use by the London Underground.

Beginning late next year, new electronic readers will be installed in 500 subway turnstiles and on 600 buses. The rest of the city's subway stations and buses should be equipped with the new readers by the end of 2020.

“It’s the next step in bringing us into the 21st century, which we need to do,” said Joseph J. Lhota, the chairman of the transit authority. “It’s going to be transformative.”


The MetroCard will be phased out in 2023, 30 years after it replaced tokens. Until 2023, passengers will be able to pay using either method.

The new system will enable riders to pay by Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay; as well as with 'contactless cards', credit or debit cards with near field communication (NFC) capabilities.

“The millennial generation, those who are more prone to new technology, will be our greatest users in the early stages,” Mr. Lhota said. He added that card issuers “are going to want to be a part of it” and would add the near-field technology “when they realize that 5.8 to 6 million people in New York City are getting on the subway every day.”

Notably, the new fare readers may be installed near the back doors on buses to 'allow for all-door boarding', reducing travel times.


More details at the link below...

Read More