Because everyone that lives in New York should be buying an unlimited card regardless?

How about retired people or people on a fixed income that are not work commuters?

How about someone that works in their neighborhood but still needs to use mass transit occasionally?

How about students that largely don't leave their campus tether but still need to use mass transit albeit less frequently than a commuting professional?

How about someone who bikes as their primary means of transit but still needs to use mass transit infrequently?

Its not really unusual at all is it?

So if you can't afford or don't need to purchase an unlimited subway that's your problem?

It's cheaper not to if you take less than 14 rides a week, which is not unusual at all in places like the East Village.

EasyPay Xpress MetroCard is what I used living in NYC for years; I still use it when I go visit actually. I never stop at a kiosk, it always has a balance from the attached credit card. I used full fare card, but you can also do unlimited monthly. Skipping the kiosk is great.

I live in NYC and barely use the subway at all.