[macNchz]

>This makes sense on the surface, but the confounding factor is that the NYC MTA cards are rather flimsy. Bend these cards just a little bit and they sometimes don't scan as smoothly.

I have plenty of criticisms about the Metrocard system, but I've had no problems keeping my cards operational until they expire. I keep the card in a regular card slot in my wallet, use it 2-4 times a day and refill it once a month. No issues in years.

[kelnos]

Say what you will about the SF bay area's public transportation system (yeah, it's kinda bad), at least we have RFID cards that are actually sturdy (I've had my current card for over 3 years), there's an auto-refill system that you can set up online, and I don't even have to take it out of my wallet to use it.