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Comment by warfangle | Hacker News Reader

I just keep a $5 balance available on my unlimited use card. That way even when the unlimited time limit runs out, I don't have to go and stand in line to refill my card while I miss my train.

I just put the $2.50 back on it (and renew my unlimited) as I'm leaving at my destination.

I guess for those who don't ride enough for an unlimited to be worth it are gotcha'd this way.. I ride 20 times a week, though (break-even on a 7-day card is 12 times a week; monthly is 6.4 times a week. I tend to lose my card occasionally, though, and the hurt from losing a $112 card is a LOT higher than losing a $35 card. Yes, they have a recovery system. No, I've never gotten it to actually work).

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I never knew you could carry a cash balance alongside the unlimited use... This will save me from this incredible annoying situation. Thank you!

Now, just to remember to refill the 5 bucks when I run out of that...

Side note: I never really understood why they don't have MC booths _inside_ the station. My assumption is it's too costly between maintenance, and security when the machine needs to be emptied vs. how much they stand to make from it. But, ever since they introduced the credit/debit only machines, it seems like it could save people a bunch of time when they only realize _after_ they've swiped, that they are out of cash.

I've put money on an unlimited card and it doesn't work. When the card expires, swiping it merely brings up the "card expired" message and there's no way to deduct the remaining balance.

Oh, that's a bummer. :/

I guess my MTA experience has changed much today after all.

I wonder if there's a difference between starting out with cash vs starting out with an unlimited (when getting the card). I don't see why that would matter though.

Funky. Maybe I started with a cash equivalent card and added time to it. I'm positive my metrocard deducts from the $5 after it expires.

I'm sorry, the unlimited time limit? Can you explain that, please?

Unlimited journeys for e.g. 1 month

Not unlimited time

Ah, that makes sense. This way he doesn't get caught a day outside the month with no fare. Thank you.

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