NYC omny cards with no smart phone or credit card, what to do?

They say metro cards won't be phased out for 3 years.

I know someone that has an iPhone for work, but refuses to use it. Just has all calls forwarded to his personal phone. He will not use it for any apps, or even Uber when taking business trips (its set up with his business credit card).

he also refuses to use credit cards except in extreme circumstances.

will he have to join the 21st century, or will there be another way to use something like a metrocard?

While your friend may not want the world scanning everything he does, by swipe, app, I phone, online. Credit card or whatever.
the will be room for while for cash.
Or did expect every tourist to have the correct gadget with them