Leftover Metrocard Change Infuriates Some
Senate Report: Bush Missed Chance To Catch Bin Laden
2nd Avenue Subway Cooling System Will "Blight" UES
Tiger Woods' Alleged Mistress Lost Fiance On 9/11
Should Payphones Be Free?
The PATH just started its SmartLink card system, and Gothamist was wondering if any of our readers are using it or observed people using it? SmartLink cards had computer chips in them that allow commuters to just wave their wallet (or bump their bag or pocket) up against the reader and they'll be allowed through the turnstile. The PATH officials think that the SmartLink will replace the QuickCard which is an added value card like the Metrocard, and may consider charging riders for the SmartLink. But at present, they are just seeing how well it works.
The MTA will be testing their version of a smart card on the Lexington Avenue line in the next couple of years, which will probably mean a decade.
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
Yay so smart. Washington, DC has had a smartcard system for years.
they use the smartlink (or equivalent) in Hong Kong. it's so much more convenient than standing in front of a machine rumbling through your bag looking for the damn metrocard.
The DC one is amazing. However, I do enjoy the unlimited monthly pass. I wonder if there will be the equivalent with the SmartPass card.
how can i get one!!
Until the MTA starts using it, it's pointless for me to carry it AND a MetroCard. I guess that means that I'll be carrying my MetroCard for the next decade ...
I don't have a problem with the metrocards, and wonder why they have to spend another pile of millions to replace them...
www.forgotten-ny.com
They have this in London. It's called the Oyster Card. (I don't know why.)
Shudder to think that for almost 100 years we had to fumble around with tokens. Oh the humanity.
Hey, Subway Jared - I don't think they had tokens until some point in the '50s. I think they just used coins during the days of the nickel and dime fares. Still a long period of token-fumbling, though.