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MetroCard payments getting EZ-er

by Benjamin Kabak

While not the most exciting of news especially after Monday’s fun with condoms, now, subway riders won’t end up harming their naughty bits with the EasyPay XPress MetroCard, a balance replenishing system that works much like the EZ-Pass program.

Using super-advanced technology – no wait, basic computer technology – the MTA has finally figured out a way to tie your MetroCard into your bank account, reports The Daily News. So says the newspaper:

The EasyPay XPress MetroCard, which is good for two years, works like the popular EZPass system. When the card’s balance dips to $25, it’s replenished with a $50 infusion.

Although EasyPay XPress MetroCards were designed with express bus riders in mind, subway and local bus riders can also use them, officials said.

“Initiatives like EasyPay XPress are designed to make it as easy and convenient as possible for our customers to access MTA services,” Metropolitan Transportation Authority Executive Director and CEO Elliot Sander said.

Except for those of us who have done the economics and prefer the unlimited options, never again will unsuspecting straphangers bang into the turnstile bar without noticing the Insufficient Fare sign light up. Instead, the MTA will just suck the money out of your bank account, $2 at a time.

Edit: One commenter asked if the pay-per-ride discount applies. It does. If you buy $20 worth of rides, you get a $24 MetroCard. Likewise, when the MTA charges your bank account $50, you get $60 on your MetroCard.

Old-school blue MetroCard picture courtesy of AMNY.com.

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4 comments

Marsha January 10, 2007 - 12:05 pm

Who would ever do this without the offer of some form of discount?

Reply
Benjamin Kabak January 10, 2007 - 12:08 pm

I neglected to mention: The same pay-per-ride discount applies. Pay $20, get $24 on your MetroCard.

Reply
Victoria January 10, 2007 - 12:24 pm

I forgot about the blue MetroCard! How archaic.

Reply
Tricia January 11, 2007 - 3:11 pm

They should definitely make this an option for those of us who use unlimited metrocards. Would certainly make things EZ-er for me!

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