Image Of Metro Card Machine From Pixel Punchout Did you buy a 30 day MTA Metro Card before the price hikes went into effect at the end of 2010 only to discover when trying to use it for the first time recently that the Metro Card would not work? Roosevelt Island resident Trevre reports (on March 17) what happened to him when he tried to use such a card:

March 1st as I went to swipe my monthly metrocard the meter said see agent. I went to see the agent and told me I needed to send in my card for a claim. Apparently because the card was purchased prior to 12/31/10 via wageworks (a paycheck program that automatically deducts and purchases your metrocard), it was no longer usable.

First I thought this was deceiving of the MTA to sell 30 day cars prior to the end of 2010, which wouldnt work in 2011, when their expiration data is not until the end of 2011, and second what am I supposed to do while I send in my card in the mean time. I had to purchase another 30 day card. I submitted the claim on 3/1/2011. I called the MTA today and spoke with Anthony Samuel a supervisor who indicated the claim has not even been entered and the soonest it would be addressed is 4/1/2011. I asked him if he thought this was acceptable to which he responded it is what it is. I asked him who was responsible and he said, I guess the president of the MTA. I would go after him, but I doubt he would respond.

Apparently thousands of other customers are in this same predicament. I bet I dont get a refund until early summer.

The Daily News reported a time limit in which Metro Cards purchased in 2010 could be used in 2011:

A 30-day MetroCard, which will rise from $89 to $104, is valid until Feb. 8.

Second Avenue Sagas reported on February 8:

… To remind customers of this sunset date, the MTA sent out a press release yesterday with information on refunds. The authority says that customers still holding 30-day cards can get a pro-rated refund by mailing cards along with a questionnaire back to New York City Transit. The forms are available at subway station booths if you can find one with a station agent and on buses throughout the city. Theyre also available as a PDF right here. For those who want to take care of their return in person, head to the MetroCard Customer Service Center at 3 Stone Street in Manhattan. I wonder how many people will find their remaining fare cards inactive tomorrow morning….

Trevre also emailed the MTA’s F line General Manager Dwayne Anglero:

The street level door at the Roosevelt Island F train station has been broken for more than a year now. Could we please have it fixed? Thanks.

See below, it looked about the same this morning.

Image Of Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Broken Door Entrance The photo was not part of Trevre’s message to F Train Line General Manager. The “See below” was referencing the link.