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bat_in_the_stacks t1_jcslfcm wrote

Reply to comment by CorporalDingleberry in NYC Subway Fare over last 120 years adjusted for inflation by dust1990

The majority of people probably commute by train from the outer boroughs to Manhattan or make a similar trip for fun on weekends. Buses are usually more local. To track distance, you either need to get people to swipe out or have someone check that their pre-paid fare is enough. It's a hassle.

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shinebock t1_jcwrzhv wrote

> To track distance, you either need to get people to swipe out ... It's a hassle.

It's a "hassle" that plenty of public transit systems manage just fine. It's really not much of a hassle either, it simply requires that as you exit the turnstile/gate you tap your card again.

Now of course the MTA is still getting up to speed on these new fangled contraptions, but it's really not a big deal. An RFID stored value card for public transit is incredibly common, even in the US, its just something the MTA didn't bother to try to figure out until recently.

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bat_in_the_stacks t1_jcwxr9f wrote

But what's the point? It adds stress to the commute in order to charge someone who lives in a different borough than they work in more? That's likely a regressive fee structure for the most part because the poorer you are, the less likely you can live near where you work (which saves valuable time every day). I don't think anyone is clamoring for changing the MTA fee structure to make it distance based.

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