I got out my old EZLink card (stored value transport card) for Singapore's MRT. The machine told me it was expired! Was given a list of stations where it could be exchanged for a current one.
But too easy. When I got to a ticket office, I was told that it would cost me $S3 to exchange for a new one. What, said I, there was a $5 deposit. Yes, said she, new one $5, renew $3. I said how come MRT never loses, always me who loses. She offered to take the $3 off the balance - apparently there was S$11 on my expired card. I should be grateful they didn't take that I suppose. Anyhow, I have a brand new MRT card, current for 7 years. Equivalent to renting the card for about fifty cents a year. Wonder why Gladys didn't think of that for NSW.
In Singapore, there is no daily cap, no free rides after so many trips. As I said, MRT never loses. At least Gladys with her OPAL gave the commuters a sporting chance, even though her successor is moving to plug the loopholes.
Another little MRT snippet. I had to resort to a standard ticket until my card was brought back from the dead. I bought a fare to one station, but got off a station earlier, and found that I had insufficient money!! The attendant attempted to explain that fares were calculated by distance not "station distance". Oh well. Another 20c bites the dust - MRT never loses!
But too easy. When I got to a ticket office, I was told that it would cost me $S3 to exchange for a new one. What, said I, there was a $5 deposit. Yes, said she, new one $5, renew $3. I said how come MRT never loses, always me who loses. She offered to take the $3 off the balance - apparently there was S$11 on my expired card. I should be grateful they didn't take that I suppose. Anyhow, I have a brand new MRT card, current for 7 years. Equivalent to renting the card for about fifty cents a year. Wonder why Gladys didn't think of that for NSW.
Another little MRT snippet. I had to resort to a standard ticket until my card was brought back from the dead. I bought a fare to one station, but got off a station earlier, and found that I had insufficient money!! The attendant attempted to explain that fares were calculated by distance not "station distance". Oh well. Another 20c bites the dust - MRT never loses!
