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MetroCard know-how

Anonymous — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:34:50 -0800

NYC filter: tips for swiping a MetroCard? So, I just want to preface this by saying that I've been to New York many times before I started working there. Many times I've ridden the subway or bus and used a MetroCard with no problem. The past few weeks, though, I seem to be having problems.

This morning, I swiped it, like I normally would. The little monitor thing said "swipe again at this turnstile." Did it again, got the same message. Did it again, was told that I had insufficient fare. (I have an exceptionally small budget right now, so I use pay-per-ride rather than unlimited, and each day I only put on as much fare as I need for that day.) After this, I put some more money on it, went to a different turnstile, and the same thing happened. I went to the MTA ticket agent, and she told me to go through the special turnstile, so that took care of that.

But such incidents have been occurring with increasing frequency over the past few days. I was thinking today that this could have something to do with my card somehow, even though it doesn't expire until March and looks OK physically. Then again, something could be wrong with my swiping technique, as silly as it sounds. This leads me to ask, MeFites: how exactly do you swipe the MetroCard? I know that for me, the turnstiles are a bit narrow, so I kind of have to go in sideways, and sometimes I have a backpack on, so that may have something to do with it. But it shouldn't. How do you guys do it? I know this may sound like a stupid question (hence why I'm posting anonymously), but I feel like there's something in it (the speed, etc.) that I'm missing.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, both by me and my bank account.

why are taxi fare structures so complicated?

cilantro — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:20:41 -0800

Why are taxi fare structures so complicated? I was in a taxi today and was reading the sheet that outlined fares... it was basically something like 'Fares start at 2.70 and continue at the rate of .20 for every 234 yards or 67 seconds until the fare reaches 3.72, at which point it continues at the rate of .20 for every 321 yards or 78 seconds until the fare reaches 11.20, and then it continues at the rate of .14 for every 452 yards or 92 seconds. Except on the weekends or on holidays or after 10 pm, when it is completely different'.

I am pulling numbers out of my ass as an example, but the fare structure was exactly as random and confusing as that. This seems to be pretty normal for taxis - but why? Why can't they just say (for example) 2.00 to start, then .20 for each 1/4 mile or 60 seconds up to 5.00, and then .20 for each 1/2 mile or 90 seconds? Is this purely to make it impossible for people to try to add up the fares in their heads so they won't argue about it? I figure it's not to make it easier for the cabbies to cheat the passengers, since these are strictly regulated city taxis and not private hire cars... so what's the deal?

Will Christmas airfares get cheaper than they are right now?

blueshammer — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:28:01 -0800

I need to travel the weekend after Christmas, returning the weekend after New Years. Am I likely to find cheaper air fares if I wait? I need to travel either from Minneapolis or Chicago to Denver, and then back, departing Dec. 28 (+/- 1 day) and returning Jan 2. I've found fares in the $250-$300 range that I'm considering, but I'm wondering if, historically, airlines have some sale or release some block of tickets later that I should hope to capitalize on. I can't imagine it's the case, but I know you know.

How do I get the best possible fare on air fare?

mi6op — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:34:02 -0800

What are the "tricks of the trade" when it comes to getting the cheapest airfare possible? Besides getting into the airmiles programs, how do I know when to book my ticket? Here is the situation that sparks my concern mostly:

I'm going to Florida, (Ft. Lauderdale or Orlando) to be with my girlfriend for Valentines day. I will be leaving from Ohio, (Canton Akron or CAK is my closest airport, I also use PIT and CLE).

Today is November 1st and Valentine's day is 3 1/2 months away. But the tickets are currently in the low $300 range. I travel to Ft. Lauderdale pretty often and the aveage price I see ranges from $150 - $200 round trip.

I know airlines post specials every now and then but I guess my main question is when and where should I start looking to find a good fare for a certain date?

Finding Low Airfares in Advance

Karmakaze — Fri, 27 Aug 2004 10:08:05 -0800

Airfarefilter. I already know the dates for a trip next August. It's possible to drive (approx 12 hours), and we did drive this year, but it might be nice to fly instead. Clearly its not possible to book flights this far in advance, but starting the search for low fares early should have some advantage. What are some good strategies for finding low airfares and when should I start to implement them? For more details, the trip in question is for GenCon in Indianapolis, from Jul 28-31, 2005, from New Jersey. I know Indianapolis is a Continental hub, and late July/August is not a time I know of any blackout dates...