From tokens to cardsNew York City subway’s iconic tokens were the default form of fare payment before the MetroCard was introduced. Cards also came with a massive perk that tokens didn’t: free transfers. One swipe of a MetroCard on a bus or subway meant riders didn’t have to pay again if they transferred to another bus or subway train. A collector’s itemBut just as New York subway tokens became icons of the city, so did the MetroCard. (The MTA didn’t respond to CNN’s request for comment.)

Source: CNN December 28, 2025 10:24 UTC