New York City token use ends

In the new year, tokens will be banned from New York City bus fareboxes, signaling the end of an era for its use on the transit system. The demise of the token began in 1994 with the launch of the MetroCard, which gained popularity for its convenience. The token, which made its debut in 1953, was since discontinued on the rail system in May, when fares increased from $1.50 to $2.00. Its use on buses plummeted, with only about 8,000 of the average 2.5 million daily riders using tokens toward their fare, New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) officials said. Approximately 93% of all bus and subway trips are paid for with the MetroCard, according to NYCTA records.