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Posted Nov. 19 at 12:40 p.m.
For those of us who have had to dig for, and straighten, crumpled bills to reload cards as well as those of us who have been incensed by glitches with Chicago Card/Plus, today's exclusive story in the Chicago Tribune may give you cause for celebration.
To summarize, within a year, the CTA will enable riders to use smart credit and bank debit cards to pay for their rides. It's kind of "Total Recall" meets "Matrix," by CTA standards, and it's all the rage in Europe.
But given the CTA's reputation and some glitches with existing smart cards previously detailed in this blog, do you trust that this will be an improvement? Or are you scared to touch your bank or credit card to these next-gen pads? Tell me what you think...
in Innovation Station | Permalink
Comments
I don't think that the smart cards are a good idea. They might be more convient for you to carry,but I think that they are more dangerous. Also, people are trying to get rid of credit cards, now why would they want another one? CTA is trying to get over on everyone by keep raising their fares. Now their trying to control how people pay for their fares. What's wrong with the way fare is paid today?
Posted by: Krystal | Nov 19, 2008 3:08:13 PMI like the current smart card system. I can just jump on the bus or train and never have to worry about having cash with me. I understand the CTA doesn't want to be in the business of making or supporting smart card media or technology. What about the rest of us who don't want yet another credit card ?
Posted by: Ray Thomas | Nov 20, 2008 9:15:33 AMYeah I'm not going for the smart card. Too many glitches with just the CTA card itself. I'll just go cash.
Posted by: Alexa | Nov 21, 2008 2:27:28 AMI have the ChicagoCard Plus that is loaded with pre-tax dollars through my benefits program with my employer. I have had minimal issues/problems with the card/use system. I can understand the CTA wanting to utilize it's resources in ways other than being in the smart card business, but why not just out-source the system that's already in place rather than "re-creating the wheel?"
Posted by: Kevin Fuchs | Nov 21, 2008 8:41:50 AM