The New York City MetroCard will be replaced by an electronic card-free payment system, the MTA announced.

The new system uses 'Tap-to-Pay' technology that will allow commuters to purchase fare instead of swiping a card.

The subway has seen the passing of tokens and now MetroCards, which will be completely phased out by the year 2023, the MTA predicts.

Subway tokens were used from 1904 until MetroCards were introduced in 1993, and coins were completely phased out by 2003.

The 'Tap-to-Pay' technology will be introduced beginning in May 2019 on the 4, 5, and 6 lines.