Gothamist: Metrocard Machines Got Sick

kim

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 16:47:34 -0500

Whenever I try to buy a Metrocard with a credit card, I have to try multiple machines in various stations before I can find one that is actually working. Incredibly frustrating. Anyone else find that to be a problem?

darius

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 14:19:17 -0500

I wonder if this is related to the Citibank mass security breach. http://www.boingboing.net/2006/03/06/citibank_security_br.html

Casey

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:55:30 -0500

I keep a metrocard taped to my bike with black tape You can't see it, but it's better than any spare tube. I have definitely flatted before and been really close to SOL.

Robin

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:21:29 -0500

Well, there's my reminder that I just gave my emergency (aka crap I'm late for work and will be later if I buy a new unlimited) to my friend in from out of town. But, yes, keep an extra, particularly since I take the bus to the train a lot.

decimalniner

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:14:12 -0500

hey, cingular wireless is down citywide this morning...(tuesday morning) what is up with that....?

Em

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:07:27 -0500

I have a backup - a leftover from a $20 my dad got when he was in town. Proved especially useful when my little sister had her first subway experience - she managed to swipe through after about twelve tries, and then turns around to gloat about having managed it - and doesn't actually go through the turnstile. To be fair, she is only 10. But seriously.

steff

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 10:50:02 -0500

let me say it again, kiddies: MERCURY RETROGRADE look it up -- and back up your computers and keep track of your cell phones for the next three weeks.

Adam

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 10:38:23 -0500

I have a backup MetroCard that I used on Sunday and forgot to replace. I was late to begin with yesterday and had no cash. So I jumped the turnstyle... twice. Probably not the best way to get to work, but I was pretty pissed off about being told to go find an ATM.

Laura

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 10:35:31 -0500

Speaking as a ex-DC resident, you can buy smartrip cards online, but can't refill them there. Although they do have a credit card with a smartrip card built in.

Jayson

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 10:33:02 -0500

I have an extra card that serves as a backup to my unlimited and also as a way to use the PATH.

Toby

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 10:30:35 -0500

This proves we need railroad clerks in the token booth selling things. As for a back up MetroCard, I don't have one per se, but I have a pay per ride that I use when I take PATH, so that serves as a back up. Plus I have a $2.00 MetroCard that I found on a platform in my wallet. (And for some reason I seem to have a Washington Metro Farecard with $2.90 on it.) Then again I used to carry a couple of subway tokens with me at all times just in case.

Chococat

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 09:53:28 -0500

Yesterday morning, the vending machine charged my card 2x for one 30-day card. My credit card company put a hold on my card for "unusual activity" - two MTA purchases, so once I got to Penn Station, I couldn't purchase train tickets! Now the MTA says I can't file a claim until a week after the incident. Sux. Chococat sez "I hate Mondays."

mrf

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 09:45:58 -0500

Now Spitzer can go after the vending machines for violating the Taylor Law!

Tim N.

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 09:44:07 -0500

Who needs token clerks, right? Because machines never break... machines are our friends...

S.D.

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 09:34:39 -0500

That explains he crazy line yesterday morning. What a great way to start the week courtesy of the MTA! I keep 2 just in case one is empty or just fubar...

MissPinkKate

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 09:33:26 -0500

It was just the credit card feature that wasn't working- I left the station, got cash, came back and bought a $20 card easy as pie. It still sucked big time.

eric

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 09:28:42 -0500

yes, i have a backup metrocard. mainly its if my friends from out of town, who dont have unlimiteds, and there is a train coming and there isnt time to buy one, i swipe them with the backup. also, i think the DC metro allows you to refill cards online. but then again, they also have the smart cards.