MTA: CharmCard a work in progress
JIn a recent email, Jerry McCann of Lutherville raised some interesting points about how the MTA's new CharmCard works on the light rail. We posted it on this blog.
Now MTA spokesman David Clark has replied on behalf of the agency. Here's what he had to say:
Machines at the Lexington Market Northbound Light Rail Station are temporarily unable to accept CharmCards due to underground utility problems. Additional notices placed on the TVM’s inform patrons that the machines currently accept “Cash Only” and CharmCard access will be available soon at that location.
Light Rail round trip purchases are unavailable for the CharmCard due to the Light Rail barrier-free fare system. When passengers touch their CharmCard to a TVM, a fare is deducted and can be electronically verified by Light Rail fare inspectors. Since Light Rail does not have faregates to track passengers leaving the system, CharmCards must be activiated at a TVM for each trip.
The MTA is reviewing the ways it provides information to Light Rail CharmCard customers. This may include changes to the website, brochures and signs.
In fact, the MTA could have and should have done a better job of explaining these quirks of the system up front. All these lapses seem to reflect an inability to see things from the customer's point of view. When will folks at MTA think beyond the Schaefer Tower?
Comments
Yes, these problems are bad, I could not get the touchpad to work at Mt. Royal station, either.
But. You REALLY need to disparage the MTA for not including the ability to use reduced fare for the disabled.I saw nothing about this and really had to dig to find out that the reduced fares will not be supported until next year.
MTA has a miserable record of supporting the disabled. Just ask them about all the lawsuits. You would be shocked.
To treat the disabled in this way is totally unfair. MTA just does not recognize, much less embrace, equal treatment.
Posted by: JijiN | October 22, 2010 5:54 AM
The level of incompetence among light rail management is truly stunning. (see also, post-Artscape comments) I can only assume that these jobs are - as they say - who you know.
Posted by: Eve | October 22, 2010 9:45 AM
"When will folks at MTA think beyond the Schaefer Tower?"
Maybe when they start using their own services. I know Mr. Wells likes to talk ad nauseum about how he rides MTA every day. That's nice, but I think he's the only one. When MTA employees don't even use the service, how are they supposed to think from our point of view?
Posted by: Youssef | October 22, 2010 11:49 AM
I really enjoy reading some of the comments by the riders. The disablilty man is a hoot! They can get a 55 cent ticket! Let me repeat that, FIFTY-FIVE CENTS!!! A Merry-go-Round ride at the carnival costs more than that! What more do you want? I challenge him to find a cheaper public transit ticket in the COUNTRY!
Posted by: Dave | October 25, 2010 1:35 PM
Having started this let me add that three different fare inspectors have failed to scan my Charm Card. It's clearly too much bother for them to turn it on. The lack of a round trip option is too much bother to me also. When the value on my card is done I'm going to begin using my charge card to buy their silly paper ticket. What a waste of time and effort.
Posted by: Jerry McCann | October 26, 2010 10:13 PM
Having started this I'll add my final word. I've now been through 4 fare inspections. In every case the inspector upon noticing I had a Charm Card passed me by without scanning it. One of them gave me a decidedly nasty look. On one hand its very convenient but on the other hand--my taxpayer hand--really annoying to have a public employee openly overlook their responsibilities.
As soon as I've used the remaining value on my Charm Card I'm going back to either cash or a charge card to buy the old fashioned paper ticket. What a waste.
Posted by: Jerry McCann | October 27, 2010 8:07 AM