A MetroCard that works like an E-ZPass, allowing transit riders to pass through turnstiles and board buses without any of that messy swiping, could be implemented within two years, says outgoing MTA CEO Elliot Sander. His last day is today (he resigned after Gov. Paterson vowed a "widespread cleanup and cleanout" of the MTA) and he's given some exit interviews defending his record ("trains are on time more often!") and previewing the "contactless" device the Authority wants to replace the MetroCard. Sensors on turnstiles or near bus entrances would detect a card or key-fob-like device and automatically deduct the fare from bank accounts. He says this would improve effeciancy by speeding up crowds of riders waiting to swipe their cards. Of course, the MTA has been considering this for years, and on some stations along the Lexington Avenue line, subway riders can wave a Citibank smart card or MasterCard debit key fob at turnstiles. more ›

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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. more ›

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Smart Card technology is already used in Chicago, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, not to mention the PATH. And in Hong Kong, their smart card for the subway and bus systems, the Octopus Card, can be used to buy goods, like bread from the bakery by the subway station. How Stuff Works on smart cards.
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