MetroCards can now carry balances for unlimited ride cards and pay-per-rides purchases at the same time, officials said today.
The change eliminates the need to buy a new card when switching between pay-per-ride and unlimited cards.
It comes as the MTA is preparing to add a $1 green fee to all MetroCard purchases after March 3.
Straphangers who have a few dollars on their MetroCard can decide to add a 30-day unlimited ride to the same card, without having to buy a new one.
The unlimited ride card will be used until it expires, and then switch over to use whatever dollar value is left for swipes.
All MetroCard vending machines will also allow riders to refill cards based on payment method of their choice.
“This card is the most flexible MetroCard ever offered and the best way to avoid paying the $1 New Card Fee by refilling and reusing your current card,” said MTA Interim Executive Director Thomas Prendergast.
“We produce almost 160 million MetroCards each year at an annual cost of nearly $10 million. Many of the cards often end up as litter in the system, so by refilling your MetroCard, you’ll reduce expenses and help the environment.”
jennifer.fermino@nypost.com