Does this sound familiar? You attempt to go through a NYC subway turnstile, however the machine tells you to swipe again and refuses to let you through. But the reader indicates you still have an available balance?
Sounds like you have a damaged Metro Card — good luck trying to get refunded.
The MTA requires the owner of a damaged Metro Card to fill out a multi-page form that asks some tough questions.
For example the rider needs to know the station name where the card was purchased, the Metro Card vending machine and booth number, and the time of day when the card was last used.
Most riders tell 1010 WINS that they would never know all of the requested information.
“Kiss that money good-bye,” one rider told 1010 WINS.
The MTA defends the practice saying that “in order to best serve our customers we ask them for as much information as they can give us”.
The MTA also says it is currently developing an online program where customers can begin the refund process over the internet.
(Source: 1010WINS)
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7 Responses
Typical MTA. Ths organization needs to be dismantled.
thats a crazy system
A defective MetroCard is symptomatic of a defective bureaucracy.
Dont worry the prices are soon going up again
Not to worry. Just fill in as much information as you can, and get the booth number (clearly displayed on the booth) the next time you use the subway. I have gotten replacement metrocards this way without a problem.
I refuse to believe the MTA / Metrocard cant go back in their computer records to determine where the card was purchased and with what credit cards. Each Metrocard has a number on it for tracking purposes.
If the city/state govt got involved in this instead of all the other garbage they get involved in, it would be a good thing.
The system is terrible. I had a transfer and then I noticed I got charged again and $2.00 were deducted. I asked the driver that I had a transfer that went through and then and additional ride was deducted. She told me to call the number on back, which I called on my cell phone right away. I gave them all the information. Which subway, which bus, what time, Metrocard number, etc… I had all the information requested. I get a letter 2 weeks later telling me that the transfer did go through and that there was no problem. This has happened to me 3 times already!! They sent the same scripted letter! I can kiss my money good bye. They rip people off and they know it!!