ding-dong, ding-dong

[spatch]

Here's a handy Red Line translation: "ding-dong, ding-dong, bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt" coming from a busted-ass PA does not mean "This train will be standing in the station for 10 minutes for schedule adjustment."

It means "This train will be standing in the station for 10 minutes with the doors wide open so that all the nice cold air can come in and replace the limited amounts of warm air that the half-broken heater was trying to pump out. For schedule adjustment."

And we all know what 'schedule adjustment' means, anyway: the 9:20 train is so late, we're gonna just pretend it was the 9:35 train all along.

Oh, and hey, good luck installing those Charlie Card turnstiles in South Station, guys. The new turnstiles are all being put on one side of the lobby concourse (to the left if you're coming up from the subway platforms.) The regular turnstiles are still on the right. There's gonna be a lot of confused people being redirected all the way across the concourse.



Unrelated PS: Is anybody still playing Puzzle Pirates on the Midnight ocean anymore? Would your crew enjoy the company of a dude dressed all in green with a turban who just happens to be a superstar bilger? I have a sword. And a house and I bought a piece of driftwood for my house.

Comments

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

I was able to pass the same Charliecard/ticket through the same turnstile four times in quick succession on the Blue Line, to get my family through. This was in full sight and at the offering of the station manager, who was explaining why he couldn't take my tokens; the machine told me I could buy the cards with either plastic, cash, or old tokens.

The card then became a souveneir. Since cards cost $0, I don't see them as being effective people-trackers; just drop your spent card on the ground, like people do in NYC, and pick up a new one whenever you feel like it.

My major complaints involve the ergonomics. I don't want to let go of the card; and the turnstiles are weird, slow, and make you break stride as you pass through. Gonna lead to some long lines during rush. Also, it is ridiculously easy to crowd 3-5 people through one opening cycle; probably more if you're friendly.

[jmspencer.livejournal.com]

What I was talking about was the difference between the CharlieCard and the CharlieTicket. The Card, which is not yet released, is rechargable, trackable, and does not become a souvenir. However, should you recharge it, I'm sure it WOULD be able to be swiped in succession. If, however, you have a monthly pass stored on it, as I will, I believe it will do the same as if you try to swipe a pass in quick succession now. Similarly, with the CharlieTickets now... as you experienced, when you put fare money on one, you can swipe it again and again until it is empty. However, I have found that you can't do it when you have a monthly pass stored on it instead of a set amount.

[bedfull-o-books.livejournal.com]

Currently I get my pass through work (yay for pre-tax dollars). I am wondering how they are going to work it once they go from Ticket to Card.

I wonder who I ask about that....

[jmspencer.livejournal.com]

i'm in the same boat. My guess is that they'll still send out tickets as passes, but I'm not sure.

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

Ah. Hmm. Well, it's a problem with the transit passes now, but it makes sense; I think it's inherent in offering "unlimited" swipes, which isn't what they want (they want unlimited travel by one person). Perhaps your "unlimited" pass could also have some "guest money" on it so you could bring along extra people, at one swipe per (first swipe per 10 minutes is free). My college dining cards work this way; you get three meals free every day, plus some guest allowance.

[spatch]

The turnstiles also really suck at the Airport stop if you're coming thru with luggage and stuff. There's a way to slide your bags through but it's not of decent size.