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MTA: MetroCards Will Be Replaced By No-Swipe Smart Cards
By
John Del Signore
Published May 22, 2009
Modified May 22, 2009
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By
John Del Signore
Published May 22, 2009
Modified May 22, 2009
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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.
Tagged
metrocard
MTA
nyc transit
smart cards
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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