I Prefer Using Cash in Metrocard Machines

Until 1997 I used tokens to get into the subway system.  All you had to do was go to a token booth and buy as many as you needed.  I would usually buy 10 at at time for an entire week.  For a while the MTA would sell little plastics bags with 10 tokens.  When the Metrocard was first introduced the fare was the same for tokens and the card.  In 1997 the MTA implemented a free transfer between  bus and subway with a Metrocard.  At that point it became more economical to use the card.  Eventually the token was eliminated leaving the Metrocard as they only method of payment.  Simultaneously, the token booths were eliminated, thus riders had to use the machine pictured above to buy a new card or add money to an old one.

Most of the time I use cash to purchase a new card.  Today, I used a credit card which took longer to use.  I always insert the card the wrong way.  When I do it the right way, the computer in the machine takes a minute or so to complete the transaction.  I highly recommend to my fellow riders to use cash since it is faster.