Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Inventor of MetroCard Swipes Through Turnstile of Mortality
By
Sarah Bibi
Published Oct 23, 2010
Modified Oct 23, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Sarah Bibi
Published Oct 23, 2010
Modified Oct 23, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
There's sad news in the land of MetroCards, and we're not just referring to the bitter fare hikes coming your way. Former engineer Raymond DeKozan, died last week at the age of 74. DeKozan, an electrical engineer who founded Cubic Transportation Systems, and lived in NYC in the early '90s, is credited with inventing the MetroCard. You know, that small yellow piece of laminated paper that will soon cost you $104 per month.
Just as we've all perfected the optimal swipe, it remains to be seen if the MTA will continue to offer MetroCards over the next few years, as they have already launched test programs featuring "contactless" payment options at several turnstiles around the city. Whatever the future of the the MetroCard, we'll remember the original excitement of a lighter wallet and those fabulous Clinton-era ads.
Tagged
bus
metrocard
MTA
nyc transit
Raymond deKozan
subway
Sarah Bibi
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot by ICE in NYC still has bullet lodged in neck, attorneys say
Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park on Monday.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Oct 12, 2026
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
News
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
NYC wants to move deliveries onto the waterways. It's starting with a 55-year-old boat.
By
Liam Quigley
Inside the luxury Greenpoint high-rise powered by a rumbling generator for over a month
By
David Brand
Mayor Mamdani orders review of NYPD use of force policies
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .