One reason why PATH is pushing the MetroCard vs QuickCard

Probably one of many reasons but - one is because they are making money on the rider who usually buys a basic multi-ride PPR Metrocard.

It doesn't appear to be a lot at first but that 5 cents per ride will add up. Yes they do lose if someone uses a $10 PPR vs a $15 QC


Pay Per ride MetroCard:

Card Cost $10
Full Value w/Bonus $12
# of rides on PATH 8
Actual cost per ride $1.25

Card Cost $20
Full Value w/Bonus $24
# of rides on PATH 16
Actual cost per ride $1.25

Card Cost $40
Full Value w/Bonus $48
# of rides on PATH 32
Actual cost per ride $1.25


PATH Multi-ride QuickCard

Card Cost $15
Full Value $15
# of rides on PATH 11
Actual cost per ride $1.36

Card Cost $24
Full Value $24
# of rides on PATH 20
Actual cost per ride $1.20

Card Cost $48
Full Value $48
# of rides on PATH 40
Actual cost per ride $1.20

Personally, I have seen the full discount on a $10 metrocard as a good thing, as you do not have to give the Port Authority an interest-free loan on the extra money for a higher-value QuickCard (and the MetroCard will be used more quickly if you ride NYC Transit). Having one card saves a bit of time because you no longer have to find a different card when entering PATH. My main hope is that the MetroCard will provide a way to offer discounted/free/combination NYCT rides along with PATH rides, or vice versa, which had not been possible with the QuickCard.

Additionally, I hope the PATH turnstiles will start capturing MetroCards in the future, to help the waste problem. If the turnstiles can capture empty QuickCards, they should also capture MetroCards, at least at all the stations that do not currently have MVMs. PATH stations don't have MetroCard recycling/trash boxes, let alone enough trashcans to handle used cards.

The PATH turnstiles need a better message when using an unlimited MetroCard - to those who do not know any better, it appears the turnstile simply has a problem reading your card. Either have them fully accept the unlimited cards, introduce a SF BartPlus type system (pay a premium for rides on one system and use card for free rides on another system over a 2-week period), or else say "Add Cash Value" or "Not Valid on PATH."

Because MetroCards are refillable (QuickCards are not) don't expect the turnstiles to do a capture when the last fare on a MetroCard is used.

PATH will be phasing out Quickcards anyway within a year or so once the SmartLink program completes its current testing.

PATH is removing the large QuickCard vending machines and replacing them with modified MetroCard Vending machines. These modified machines will sell PPR Metrocards and Single ride QuickCards (valid for 2 hours from time of purchase). It will also have a place where a SmartLink Card can be refilled. The single ride cards do get captured in the PATH turnstiles.

The new MVMs are already installed in the WTC station and the 30th St entrance of the 33rd St station. They will be installing them on the downtown side of the 23rd St station this Sunday (2/19) and they are also installing them (they started yesterday 2/15) in the 32nd St entrance to the 33rd St station.

Is the plan ultimately for the Smartlink card to be valid on all regional transit systems (NJT, PATH, MTA, NY Waterway ferry)? What a great thing that would be...one card to ride anything in the metro NYC area.

NEW PATH CARD 'EASIER'
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 By BONNIE FRIEDMAN JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Say goodbye to the swipe. PATH officials are gearing up to unveil the SmartCard - a $73-million refillable fare program destined to make the QuickCard and MetroCard obsolete. The agency will begin offering the cards - which are refillable using cash, credit or debit - starting this summer. Riders simply wave the card over the reader before passing through the turnstiles. Cards don't even need to be taken out of wallets or purses before passing over the scanner.

"It takes only 300 milliseconds to process," said Mark Lavorgna, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "And you can register your card, so if you lose the card, you don't lose the value." Several senior citizens are now taking part in a pilot program designed to test for any kinks in the system, Lavorgna said.

This summer's launch is the first phase in a multi-agency effort to integrate mass transit. Once the system is up and running, officials at PATH plan to link the SmartCard to a credit or debit card similar to E-Z Pass. The eventual goal is to link PATH with NJ Transit and the New York subway system. "The entire PATH fare system is extremely old," Lavorgna said. "The key is that with this technology, it's adaptable."

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority - which operates the New York City subway system - is also working in conjunction with Mastercard and Citigroup to test a "pay-pass" program that uses a key-chain-like device. PATH riders at the World Trade Center station yesterday gave the speedy system a thumbs-up. "It's a helluva lot easier than those other cards," said Jessica Blaha, 22, who is visiting from Springfield, Mo. "Especially for new people who don't know which way it goes."

© 2006 The Jersey Journal © 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.

www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/
base/news-0/114051679514140.xml&coll=3

http://www.hudsoncity.net/tubes/gatewaytubepage.html

I saw a working MVM at 23 St Uptown on 2/23, and contractors were installing MVMs at Grove late that night (early morning 2/24).