Leftover Metrocard Change Infuriates Some
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Within the Taxi and Limousine Commissions's ambitious plans to bring technology to cabs might be a future where you can use Metrocards to pay your taxi fare. Sorta way: The NY Post reports that Cubic, a California-based company whose smart card technology NYC uses for Metrocards (San Francisco, Chicago, and DC use their technology too), has been looking into the possibility of new payment options, along with other possible vendors. The idea of a stored value card is one that Gothamist loves, although the current Metrocard material is too flimsy to hold up to it. However, as the MTA has debated Smart Cards to little avail, we think it's just cute that the TLC is even considering it. The TLC Chairman Matthew Daus doesn't want people to get their hopes up, either, as he emphasizes it's more important to put credit and debit payments options in place first - though they will consider plans that might offer a swipe system. What Gothamist would like to do next is figure out how to split cabs with people when you're all vying for the same one on those rain-flooded-subway work mornings.
And who new that Cubic also does defense applications, like "electronic warfare systems"?
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"And who new that Cubic also does...." new should be knew. I know. I'm too pedantic :(
I want RFID-enabled Metrocards, so I can leave it in my wallet as I walk thru the turnstile, instead of the item juggling I invariably perform while pulling out my wallet, removing the Metrocard, avoiding the exiting users, not drop my attache and my lunchbag, shuffling through the turnstile and re-insert my metrocard into my over-exposed wallet, while heading to the wrong train!
In an amazing and singularly stupid move, the city's Muni-meters, which are rapidly replacing old school parking meters throughout Manhattan, do not take Metrocards!!!
Instead, you've either got to carry around a bag of quarters ($2.00 per hour's worth) or send away for one of the cards or buy one at one of the two (count'em, 2) NYC & Co. stores that are authorized to sell them - and they can't be refilled. Every time you use one up, you've got to get a fresh one.
Making those machines take Metrocards is such an obvious concept that only a political bunch of assholes could not have done it (probably - just my guess - a squabble between the MTA and the DOT on how to do the accounting).
Given the city's abyssmal performance on the Muni-Meters, I don't expect to be using the Metrocard in a cab anytime soon.
Who says the current metro cards are too flimsy? I've never had a problem with my monthly cards, ever. And I treat them like crap.
Same here, Pedro.
Plus, you can poke a hole in it and use attach it to your keys, a la grocery store cards. Of course, this doesn't work if you ride the bus often.