my Daily Vent

I knew I wasn't the only one to think the MTA is a disaster, and today I am vindicated by the New York Times. Not only have I suffered many times at the hands of the seemingly endless delays the article mentioned -- 20 minutes last night for the B train! -- but I'm also mystified by their new "bonus" system for MetroCards. If you have never purchased or used a MetroCard, then on paper the concept seems simple enough: you get a bonus of 15% on every purchase of $7 or more, and the cards are refillable. Thus, one would think, you can simply add on to whatever is left over, and eventually your change will equal the cost of a train ride.

Right?

Well, not exactly. The problem is that fares are currently $2, and it is so impossible to figure out how a 15% bonus on $7+ will get you anywhere near another $2 that the math requires normal, non-math types like me to rely on websites like NYC MetroCard Bonus Calculator to figure out what amounts make any kind of sense to add. Back when fares were a measly $1.50, it all worked out so neatly. But now, there is some transaction I occasionally stumble into where I end up with a $1.05 bonus. What am I supposed to do with five cents?!

It feels like the MTA is attempting to solve its $900 million budget problem by, literally, nickel-and-diming the public. Which is not a very enjoyable feeling at all.