what are the "ghost" machines?

[blasito]

In the past few weeks, new equipment at the turnstiles has showed up, covered in a light gray plastic. Any idea what this is?

[Allan]

In the past few weeks, new equipment at the turnstiles has showed up, covered in a light gray plastic. Any idea what this is?

This is most likely equipment related to the latest testing sponsored by MasterCard (PayPass system). This time they are including PATH in the test. They are doing more testing on using their card system that ties directly to a debit or credit card when you put it against the reader.

http://www.paymentsnews.com/2008/11/mas ... -ratp.html

(The Port Authority (PATH) is mentioned about halfway down in the above article.

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-175177636.html


You'll note that it took longer than anticipated in the articles for the test to actually start.

[blasito]

... and today the paypass machines, that had been covered in the grey ghost costumes for the past week or so, are now completely gone from the 23rd St station. It was weird to not feel completely cramped and herded going through the turnstiles. So I guess the trial is over. What next?