A Farewell Ride With the MetroCard, on Every Transit Line That Uses It
In a recent New York Times feature, Rutgers Bloustein alum Jeremy Zorek (Planning and Public Policy ’25) is highlighted as part of a group of transit enthusiasts undertaking a unique, all-day journey across the New York metropolitan region. The challenge: ride every public transit system that still accepts the iconic MetroCard in a single day, ahead of its gradual phaseout. Beginning before sunrise and navigating snow, delays, and disappearing fare machines, the group turned what might seem like a logistical puzzle into a celebration of public transportation’s complexity, quirks, and connective power.
Zorek, now pursuing a master’s degree in urban planning at Hunter College, joined fellow transit professionals and advocates whose careers are rooted in a deep appreciation for mobility systems. Alongside YouTuber Miles Taylor and others working at major transit agencies, Zorek brought a planner’s eye to the experience, noticing everything from station design details to overlooked moments of system interconnectivity. The article captures how these enthusiasts see transit not just as a way to get from point A to point B, but as an essential public good that shapes daily life, regional access, and equity.
While the MetroCard challenge was playful in spirit, it also underscored a larger moment of transition for public transportation in the region. As agencies move toward contactless fare systems, the story reflects both nostalgia and forward-looking questions about access, design, and usability. For Bloustein, Zorek’s appearance in the Times is a reminder of how alumni continue to engage thoughtfully with real-world planning challenges, bringing curiosity, technical insight, and passion to the systems that keep our cities moving.