We’re officially approaching the last swipe ever for one of NYC’s most iconic accessories. After decades of living in wallets, back pockets, and even wedged inside phone cases, the MetroCard is heading for retirement. After more than 30 years of swiping through turnstiles, the card will disappear for good on December 31, 2025–and to celebrate its legacy, the MTA is taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane by giving away limited-edition blue ’90s-era MetroCards for free.
To honor the end of an era, the MTA is giving away limited editions of the original blue MetroCard, first launched in 1994, to four lucky winners.
True to the originals, these collector’s items feature classic New York City images on the back, like Radio City Music Hall and the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The cards come preloaded with either $15 or $6, so if you win, you’ll get at least a couple of rides on the house.
But don’t wait too long–the clock is ticking, and you’ve only got about two weeks left to swipe your MetroCard before the switch to OMNY is complete!
How to Enter
Getting in on the giveaway is as easy as swiping through a turnstile. Simply tag a friend who loves NYC transit in the comments of the MTA’s contest Instagram post.
No Instagram? No problem. Email your full name and phone number to entries@mtacd.org with the subject line: “MetroCard Farewell Giveaway.”
Giveaway Deadline
The giveaway ends this week on Thursday, December 18th at 11:59 pm EST, so don’t miss your chance to snag a piece of NYC history.
How Winners Are Chosen
Four winners will be selected through a random drawing and contacted via direct message the week of December 22nd, so keep an eye on your inbox.
Fine Print
- Participants must be 18 or older
- Only one entry per Instagram account is allowed
See the official contest terms and conditions here.