Bostonist: Charlie Doesn't Take Credit

Toby

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:41:56 -0500

Apparently you need a better fare card system. The MTA's MetroCard system, despite some flaws, has the advantage of buying a 30 day or 7 day unlimited MetroCard valid from 30 or 7 days from when you first use it in the system. So if you were to buy a 7 day unlimited MetroCard right now, then go use it on a subway or bus, you would not need to get a new one until next Thursday. It is simple, effective, and makes it more flexible for the rider to buy on their own schedule, not the MTA's.

Bob Lothrope

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:35:39 -0500

To the T's credit, on Friday evening the machines told you the credit/debit card option wasn't working, and wouldn't let you select it. And at Harvard, station employees coned off the credit-only machines and put up a sign saying the credit computer was down. But it would have been nice if this happened sooner, and everywhere.

Bill

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:41:13 -0500

I wonder how many other people are left with mystery charges on their bill. I contacted the Globe and Herald. You guys should too! I e-mailed Mac Daniel. He writes the Starts and Stops column. You can e-mail him at starts@bostonglobe.com. Fortunately I rec'd a couple phone called from MBTA people this morning and they are working on it.

Teresa

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 21:53:01 -0500

I was in the Davis Square T station Friday morning, and as I was going through the pass reader I heard someone ask the T employee who was just hanging around why they weren't doing anything to help. The employee yelled back that people shouldn't depend on buying passes on the 1st. I wonder how many of those people waiting had tried to buy their passes on Thursday just to encounter the credit card problem?

Sue

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 09:53:24 -0500

Ditto to Bill's comments, charges showing up on my credit cards for each attempt to purchase. Some but not all of the charges have already been reversed - so someone knows there's a problem but no statements anywhere by the MBTA that I can find to admit this! Last time I use the machines to purchase - you can still buy monthly passes at other locations like supermarkets.

Bill

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 15:07:20 -0500

Not only was I unable to purchase my monthly pass with a credit card on 11/30 and 12/1, but I was charged each time I attempted to pay! I have two $44 charges on my credit card and one on my debit card! Make sure to check your statements. I am furious that this went on for more than a day and STILL they did nothing. No signs, no assistants from the attendants near the Charlie Card machines when customers were clearly trying to make purchases with their credit cards. Now I have to go to the trouble to get all these charges off my bill.