A Metrocard mechanic cleaning some parts of the machine.
Did you try to buy a new Metrocard this morning between 8:30AM and 10:30AM? Hope you didn’t try to pay with a credit card, because the machines weren’t taking them.
For unknown reasons, dozens if not hundreds of Metrocard machines stopped taking electronic payments. Not a big deal if you were going for a $2.00 ride.
However, if you were in the market for a new $82 unlimted card, chances are you didnt have that dough burning a hole in your pocket.
The issue seemed to have replicated itself again around the afternoon rush. I did see an especially long line at the machines this afternoon.
I guess this is what happens when you are still using Windows NT in your systems.
Around 6 p.m., at one entrance to the Times Square station, signs on the vending machines indicated that they were not accepting credit or debit cards, and a station agent opened the exit gate and ushered passengers through without making them pay. [City Room]
Can you just imagine all the sea of confused tourists flocking to the token booth?