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So on several occasions I've entered the subway, used my monthly pass to get in, then realized I need something and dashed back upstairs to the CVS or whatever. Upon my return, I can't get in.
One day, an attendant was actually around, and when asked he told me there's a 20 minute blackout until you can use your pass again. Is that true?
Am I the only person that's ever left the subway to try for a bus, missed the bus, then went back down to catch the train only to not be able to get back in? (That was a fun night.)
If there weren't a blackout, you could just pass your charlie card to your friend behind you to get them in. I imagine that every city with an unlimited pass has a similar policy.
Yes the blackout is about 20 minutes to discourage people from sharing a pass. Usually the blackout only applies to entry at the same subway station or bus line to account for short trips that involve a transfer.
I didnt know that. I have a monthly pass also. I get that people could share with friends...but really? I think most people would just buy their own pass. Most people who use them are working professionals and who has time tk hand off a pass to a friend and wait to get it back. So yeah that blackout rule sucks as a paying subscriber.
I didnt know that. I have a monthly pass also. I get that people could share with friends...but really? I think most people would just buy their own pass. Most people who use them are working professionals and who has time tk hand off a pass to a friend and wait to get it back. So yeah that blackout rule sucks as a paying subscriber.
#****thembta
This has nothing to do with the MBTA. Every major mass transit system on the planet has some similar policy.
Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whatsnext75
I didnt know that. I have a monthly pass also. I get that people could share with friends...but really? I think most people would just buy their own pass. Most people who use them are working professionals and who has time tk hand off a pass to a friend and wait to get it back. So yeah that blackout rule sucks as a paying subscriber.
#****thembta
It would happen a ton, a ton, if there weren't safeguards on this. A ton. You see people sneaking in right behind other people frequently enough as it is.
When I've had an issue I've just spoken to the attendant and they've left me in.
This has nothing to do with the MBTA. Every major mass transit system on the planet has some similar policy.
Atlanta's MARTA didn't have this policy back when I was in college. Every single time I went to use the subway there'd be a homeless guy sitting on the turnstile offering entry for a buck (vs $1.50 regular price).
Atlanta's MARTA didn't have this policy back when I was in college. Every single time I went to use the subway there'd be a homeless guy sitting on the turnstile offering entry for a buck (vs $1.50 regular price).
This started with electronic fare collection. I'd be surprised if MARTA didn't catch up with the times.
I didnt know that. I have a monthly pass also. I get that people could share with friends...but really? I think most people would just buy their own pass. Most people who use them are working professionals and who has time tk hand off a pass to a friend and wait to get it back. So yeah that blackout rule sucks as a paying subscriber.
#****thembta
Or they are tourists using a weekly pass, or a couple who commutes together, etc. It takes no time to tap for one person and let them through, then tap again for another. Of course people would do this if given the chance.
Every subway system prohibits this sort of behavior, by the way.
Am I the only person that's ever left the subway to try for a bus, missed the bus, then went back down to catch the train only to not be able to get back in? (That was a fun night.)
Well, now you know. And for the future, if this happens, just pay the $2 to get back on the train or wait until it's 20 minutes past when you first tapped--how long can it really be?
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