subway token
Noun: A small, flat, typically round piece of metal or plastic that is used as a form of payment for a single ride on a subway system. It functions as a fare medium, granting entry through a turnstile or gate when inserted into a designated slot.
A "subway token" is a specific type of token used exclusively for public underground rail transit. It represents a prepaid fare. - He dropped his last subway token on the tracks. - Before the metro card, you needed a subway token to ride. - She kept an old subway token as a souvenir from her trip.
- Historical Context: In many cities like New York, physical subway tokens were phased out in favor of electronic payment cards (e.g., MetroCard, Oyster card). The term can now refer to a historical artifact or collectible.
- The museum has an exhibit on the history of the subway token.
- Token (n): A broader term for any item that represents a right, fact, or serves as a voucher. A subway token is a specific subtype.
- An arcade token.
- A book token.
- Fare card (n): The modern electronic equivalent (e.g., a rechargeable card) that has largely replaced physical tokens.
- Transit token (n): A more general term that can include tokens for buses, trams, and subways.
- Fare token
- Transit token
Note: "Subway token" itself is not typically part of idioms. However, the word "token" is. - By the same token: For the same reasons; in a similar way. (This idiom uses "token" in its abstract sense of "sign" or "evidence," not related to the physical subway object). - She is very efficient, and by the same token, expects efficiency from her staff.
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a token that is used to pay for entry to the subway system
