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MetroCard Magnate Has Resold Unused Fares For $20K
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jan 8, 2012
Modified Jan 8, 2012
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jan 8, 2012
Modified Jan 8, 2012
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A Brooklyn man is turning a tiny portion of the $52 million in unused MetroCards into cash. In a business model akin to the OTB truffle-sniffers of yore, 41-year-old John Jones finds discarded MetroCards on the ground in various subway stations, combines the fares onto new cards, and resells them at a discount, and estimates that he's made around $20,000 over the years. "I'm surprised that people just toss money away," Jones tells the Post. This past holiday season, he found $1,500 worth of unused fares, and was able to sell half of it. No machine-tampering necessary!
Jones began his business model ten years ago after finding a jackpot MetroCard in Grand Central. "It had $33 on it. That was when the fare was $1.50. From that day on I've been doing it." He says the average amount on the cards that people apparently wouldn't be caught dead carrying around is $1.70. When Jones is able to combine several cards into one $5 card, he sells it to commuters for $4. Hmm, lower fares! Why didn't the MTA think of that?
The Post's story notes that "the MTA doesn't like Jones' enterprise" but declines to elaborate. While Jones' activity appears to violate sections 1050.4 and 1050.6 of the code, that isn't exactly uncommon. And MetroChange, the organization that donates unused fares to charity, apparently lacks the necessary approval of the MTA as well. We've reached out to the MTA and are still awaiting comment.
Jones has been arrested twice in the past several weeks for unlawful solicitation and illegal access to transit services, but he vows to fight the charges in court. "Of course finding something is legal," he says.
Tagged
entrepreneurs
fares
metrocard
metrocards
MTA
small businesses
unused fares
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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