MARTA now requiring tap-to-exit (Washington: credit card, buying, live)

[atlantagreg30127]

For years, people have been saying that MARTA would probably have more profits if they did switch to a zone fare system like some other systems. This may be a way for them to start testing the hardware to make sure it can handle the "pay as you leave" type thing in the future.

[PKCorey]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

For years, people have been saying that MARTA would probably have more profits if they did switch to a zone fare system like some other systems. This may be a way for them to start testing the hardware to make sure it can handle the "pay as you leave" type thing in the future.

Naw, its to prevent fare evaders. People would sneak in through the handicap exit doors and ride for free and exit through the same doors when leaving the station.

I don't get the big deal. A tap takes off of 2 secs. Someone is being a tad dramatic .

[JustBeingMe404]

It's annoying. I've vented about this repeatedly on MARTA's FB page. I agree with JPD. I keep my Breeze card in my wallet, and I use the train to go to/from work. I am usually carrying a laptop, lunch tote, and my handbag, and I'm usually running to catch the train/bus. It's really annoying to have to search through my handbag again to get to my wallet and then pull my Breeze Card out.

I mean, it's not the greatest issue on earth, but it's a nuisance.

From what I understand, however, they did it for two reasons: (1) of course, to track distance for trips, and (2) to stop people from sneaking in on those handicapped lanes. I didn't realize that second one until the very day the MARTA FB lady explained it to me and that night a guy came in while I was tapping out. #jerk

But yeah, my list of MARTA complaints are a mile long. I hate MARTA.

[johnatl]

I could care less it MARTA knows my comings and goings.

Tap, tap, tap away.

[MathmanMathman]

Originally Posted by waronxmas

It is also leagues better than the old turnstiles and that stupid handicapped gate that was usually broken at most stations.

The problem with the gate system now is that it is easy for someone to walk in behind you entering and even exiting. Not so with turnstiles where the person has to jump it. Although I saw one guy so skinny that he could work his legs around the prongs of the turnstile without hardly slowing down his walk.

And the police or attendants are not always around. If I have a problem. I often have to use the white courtesy phone and wait for a MARTA cop to show up.

[lorilove]

Originally Posted by mopuxak

lorilove: Unfortunately, I probably will.

And what is this alternative mass transit system to MARTA?

[MathmanMathman]

Originally Posted by johnatl

I could care less it MARTA knows my comings and goings.

Tap, tap, tap away.

But some see it as an intrusion.

[johnatl]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

But some see it as an intrusion.

I realize that. I personally don't. We are on camera now pretty much the entire time we are outside our homes - I really don't care.

Guess I have nothing to hide.......

[MathmanMathman]

Originally Posted by lorilove

And what is this alternative mass transit system to MARTA?

I think there is a competing Hispanic bus service in Atlanta but I think it's in the Buford Highway area. Its mere existence really pisses off MARTA!

[mopuxak]

I understand some of the reasoning regarding the distance-fare pricing and all, but we're not doing that here just yet. I certainly agree with the comment about the gates being an improvement over the turnstiles. The issue at hand is that there are a number of reasons that forcing a tap-to-exit on the handicapped gate is negative:

- inconvenience [varies by personal opinion]
- unnecessary [since most people do tap-out and they've already collected tons of data]
- orwellian [yes, i know everything else in life is tracked, but now you can't opt-out?]

It's hard to come up with a reason for why they should force a tap-to-exit on the handicap gates other than the oft-heard "so what? what's the problem?" to which I just listed three.

Clearly the majority of people in the forum don't care. What I suppose I find so disturbing is the general apathy people have each time a service provider hikes a fee, caps a service, imposes a restriction. Most people just bend over and take it or become apologetic. I just wonder where the tipping point is for most people... clearly it's some way off.

I want to be able to ride MARTA, which I consider a public service, without having to be unnecessarily inconvenienced. I wish more people would take MARTA, but the experience has become more expensive, less timely and a greater inconvenience over time.