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New MetroCard Sales Down 71% Thanks To MTA Surcharge
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jun 24, 2014
Modified Jun 24, 2014
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via MrTinDC's Flickr
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jun 24, 2014
Modified Jun 24, 2014
Share
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The MTA's decision last year to begin charging straphangers $1 for MetroCards has proven a success, with the purchase of new cards having plunged by 71 percent.
25 million new MetroCards were bought between March 2013 and April 2014, compared to the 91 million purchased during the same period the year before.
“This initiative has succeeded on multiple fronts,” said MTA President Carmen Bianco. "There has been less litter of old cards and more refilling. Refills have increased from 61 percent of sales to 89 percent."
She added also that the MTA raked in its predicted $24 million in profits from the "green fee," as well as saved $3 million in cardstock and several cashier positions. High fives for everybody! But, so—If we kick the fee up to $2, can we have a fully functional G train?
Tagged
green fee
metrocards
MTA
Lauren Evans
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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