[Updated] A few of our readers have noticed MetroCard vending machines fare collectors* on the Upper East Side. Situated outside a Duane Reade on East 86th Street and First Avenue, the two MetroCard fare collectors, plus a coin fare collector, are part of the Select Bus Service for the M15. more ›

NYC Transit revealed why the Metrocard vending machines were so screwed on Monday and Tuesday: An encryption device wasn't working! The NY Times explains usually 2 devices "[encode] transmitted data for customer and bank security and [are] housed at a data center on Staten Island," but when one failed, the other couldn't deal with the demand. When the broken device was discovered--and replaced--the problem stopped. The agency says that everyone whose credit/debit cards were charged during "unable to be processed" transactions have been (will be?) refunded. more ›

While NYC Transit says the problems with Metrocard vending machines have been solved, apparently some stations' machines are still touch-and-go. But whether that's related to the systemwide issue or just par-for-the-course Metrocard vending machine, we'll never know. The clerk at the 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue line told the Daily News that "major, systemwide failures hit about once a month - and that on a regular basis, at least half of the machines in her station are out of commission several times a week." Yeah, that sounds about right. more ›

According to the NY Times, "scores and possibly hundreds of MetroCard vending machines" were not accepting credit or debit card payments yesterday, frustrating cashless or cash-averse commuters trying to buy Metrocards. The problem first occurred during the morning rush and was resolved by 10 a.m. (says NYC Transit), but then reappeared during the evening rush hour. This seems to happen every so often, which is all the more reason to keep a backup Metrocard. more ›