Photograph by Jason Andra on Flickr

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.