Gothamist: Should the Metrocard Get Smart?

Grayson

Sun, 24 Oct 2004 18:25:59 -0500

We have these (SmarTrip) on the Metro in Washington, DC now -- they do a good job at keeping people moving through the faregates. I definitely notice a slowdown when folks (even experienced locals) have to feed their card through the machine. They recently added the SmarTrip capability on all Metrobuses, so you basically no longer need farecards or change. Just put $50 on your card once a week (or whenever) and you're set no matter what transportation mode you use. Also, if you lose your card, you can get 100% of your balance back from Matro.

EL

Tue, 19 Oct 2004 10:54:35 -0500

The MTA can track you using metrocard swipes as well... but with smartcards, you may be able to purchase them without having to register any information (as is done in Hong Kong), which would make your presence untraceable. Given that the MTA handles over 1 million passengers a day, you think they would have the resources to mine that data to track individual movements?

ryan

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 15:53:46 -0500

I've often thought they should at the very least CHARGE you for your metrocard, so tons of the plastic critters don't clog the tracks and the sewers. And what's up with the fact that you can't refill a monthly card? And is there a more poorly designed device than the metrocard vending machine?

jt

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 14:10:59 -0500

Its unwise to create a system that can be used to keep track of individuals movements. Our privacy is increasingly being eroded in the interest of convenience and "security" and this disturbs me greatly. JT

cant remember

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 13:42:34 -0500

This will never happen. Believe it or not, the Port Authority has been working on this for years (and has spent a fortune). Believe it or not, the MTA makes so much money off MetroCard because of what they call 'The Float' that they'll never let something more efficient in there. Plus, the company that built the MetroCard System (Cubic) is doing its best to keep anything from happening. Sadly, it's just another case where a good idea (yes there are privacy issues) are killed because of some big companies greed or silly politics. Sure is a good thing that the cost of public transportation continues to increase.

cant remember

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 13:41:36 -0500

SteveO

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 13:00:39 -0500

Sshhh.. they're reading this right now.

Kojak

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 12:55:55 -0500

I see this as just another attempt by the government to track our movements by using the promise of better efficiency. Resist!