MetroCard Grace Periods
One of the first thoughts that comes to mind for some is to stockpile unlimited MetroCards when fares are raised. Unfortunately this line of thinking never works as the MTA sets up grace periods for cards to be used for the first time by. This is once again the case as the MTA has announced the grace periods for the upcoming fare hike. Here are the details from a press release I received yesterday:
Customers who purchase a 1-Day Fun Pass, 7-Day, 14-Day or 30-Day Unlimited MetroCard prior to the scheduled May 31st fare change, and use them for the first time no later than June 8th, will receive all of the unlimited travel they are entitled to. Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards are not affected and can be used normally after the increase.
1-Day Fun Passes purchased prior to May 31, 2009 will be valid through June 8th. 7-Day unlimited cards will be valid through June 14th, and 14-Day Unlimited Cards will be valid through June 21st. 30-Day Unlimited MetroCards purchased prior to May 31st will be valid through July 7, 2009.
For those customers who use Unlimited-ride cards purchased prior to May 31st for the first time on June 9th or thereafter, and find themselves with unused or partially used cards after July 7th can send in the card for a cash refund. Refunds for partially used cards will be made on a pro-rated basis; unused cards will be refunded in full. Customers can send in their partially or unused cards to MetroCard Customer Claims by picking up a self-addressed, postage-paid business reply envelope at subway station booths.
Customers can also take this opportunity to sign up for the EasyPayXpress MetroCard, the MetroCard that refills itself automatically. The EasyPayXpress MetroCard is good for two years, which eliminates the need for multiple card purchases, and that’s good for the environment. Customers can use their credit card, debit card or pre-tax transportation benefits card to sign up for EasyPayXpress, and choose either the 30-Day Unlimited Ride or Pay-Per-Ride option. All account transactions can be reviewed on line on a secured website. And there’s no loss if the card is lost or stolen.
Customers interested in information about EasyPayXpress can visit www.mta.info for complete details.
Ahh, only if you could get away with stockpiling a ton of unlimited monthly cards. I would have done it in a heartbeat!
xoxo Transit Blogger
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[…] Last month, I shared a press release from the MTA which discussed MetroCard grace periods. However with the changes made due to the financial package passed by Albany, the grace periods have changed. Here are the complete details courtesy of a just released press release: Customers who purchase a 1-Day Fun Pass, 7-Day, 14-Day or 30-Day Unlimited MetroCard prior to the scheduled June 28th fare change, and use them for the first time no later than July 6th, will receive all of the unlimited travel they are entitled to. Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards are not affected and can be used normally after the increase. […]