MTA Proposes a Good Idea. Wait. What?!
Just when we thought the MTA had peaked with its awesome decision to make the G train’s extension to our neighborhood permanent, it goes and does something else awesome.
What’s the deal, MTA? You’re just begging for us to give you a sloppy, wet kiss on the mouth, aren’t you?!
You’re such a saucy minx lately, MTA, you really are.
The Daily News reports that the MTA has proposed adding a $1 surcharge to every new Metrocard purchased. Now, I know you’re thinking, How is that a good thing? Why does everything have to COST SO DAMN MUCH?
But we’ll tell you why it’s a good thing and why it has to cost so damn much. That’s what we’re here for.
It’s a good thing because the surcharge only applies to new Metrocards, thus encouraging riders to hold onto their cards and not throw them out—which people frequently do on the FLOOR of stations—without a thought. Basically, the MTA is encouraging civic consciousness and environmental responsibility.
This is a good thing!
The MTA estimates that “the surcharge will generate an estimated $18 million in revenue while printing fewer MetroCards will save another $2 million or so.” Extra revenue for the MTA could be a good thing, maybe—MAYBE—they will use it to clean up the stations? Who knows? Anything is possible with this new, loveable MTA.
Even the Straphangers Campaign is happy with the plan. Their spokesman Gene Russianoff says, “We think the $1 charge for new MetroCards will encourage riders to reuse their cards.”
MTA spokesperson Adam Lisberg assures us that, “Straphangers can avoid the surcharge. A newly purchased MetroCard usually doesn’t expire for about 12 months. And until that expiration date, a MetroCard — including unlimited-ride weekly and monthly MetroCards — can be repeatedly refilled.
And the surcharge would not be imposed when a rider with an expired MetroCard is buying a new MetroCard.”
So who will get hit hardest by this probably?
Tourists.
And that’s totally acceptable collateral damage, we think.
Follow Kristin Iversen on twitter @kmiversen
