By Tom Liddy
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN - Goodbye MetroCard. Hello MTA Card?
The MetroCard may soon join the subway token in the great rail yard in the sky, according to a published report.
The Daily News says that the transit agency envisions allowing straphangers to tap or place a credit card in front of a sensor to enter turnstiles.
"It's E-ZPass for transit," said MTA Chief Financial Officer Charles Monheim.
Under the plan, which is set to be unveiled Tuesday to a slew of technology, telecomunnications and financial companies, riders can either pay as they go or pay for a certain number of rides in advance, the paper says.
The information would be directly linked to the person's credit or debit account, eliminating the need for the separate MetroCard.
In lieu of that, riders will be able to buy an MTA Card, sold at station vending machines, token booths and stores, that would work with a tap as well.
The agency hopes to save millions in maintenance costs and losses from "swipers" who sell illegal fares, the News said.
Buses will still accept coins under the plan, according to the report.
The MetroCard debuted in 1993 and was accepted throughout the subway system in 1997.
Tokens replaced coins in 1953 and were accepted for 50 years, according to the MTA.
