[scrumper]

I'm not sure I want the MTA to fix this. It seems that to some degree the large float the MTA gets from people who don't optimize their Metrocard balances helps to subsidize fares. Certainly if they don't have the float, it'll be a fine excuse to raise fares even more.

[iquantny]

That's one way to look at it. But I always feel being aboveboard is the way to go on this stuff. Also, its a tiny bit of a regressive tax as well. Unlimited cards go to those who can afford the upfront cost.

[mason55]

This generally only hits tourists but there is one place that' it's super annoying. If you take the AirTrain from JFK to Jamaica you have to pay $5. The issue is that you can't load that $5 onto an unlimited Metrocard (the kind that most locals use) so you have to get a new one with the associated $1 fee. Then you get your bonus on top of the $5 so you have a $5.40 Metrocard or whatever it comes out to but you've paid $6 for it and now have 40 useless cents on it once you come out of the Airtrain.

[gergles]

You can add cash to an unlimited MetroCard now and have been able to do so for about a year. More annoying is that you can't use the auto-refilling MetroCards on PATH.

[shittyanalogy]

That float is also known as a rip off.