INWOOD — Broken MetroCard machines at subway stations Uptown are creating their fair share of problems for commuters — forcing some straphangers to take cabs while others get free rides from sympathetic station agents.
The MTA is replacing several components system-wide, preventing credit-card and debit-card transactions, including inside the Dyckman Street 1 and A train stations, a spokesman said.
Commuters were recently spotted lining up to buy fares from agents at the stations, with some forced to step out to find the nearest ATM and others simply allowed to pass through free of charge by the agent.
“I’ve had to take cabs,” said commuter, who asked to remain anonymous, on Wednesday afternoon in the Dyckman Street 1 train station. “I’m paying extra for the MTA.”
3rd week in a row Dyckman A train ticket machines won't accept credit/debit/commuter cards. @NYCTSubway @MTA #mondaycommute
— Jennifer (@jvhelluhpipes) October 26, 2015On Tuesday, the MTA tweeted that the machines were only accepting cash for a period of hours at the 207th Street stations, the 181st Street stations and the 175th Street station.
Inwood resident Jennifer Bristol experienced the problem this past weekend at the Dyckman A train station.
“I tried to use it Sunday at 1 p.m., and it was still a problem on Monday at 10 a.m.” she said, noting she almost missed her train Monday, but was saved by a patient conductor who waited for a few passengers to board.
The MTA said that in addition to the maintenance, an ongoing communication issues with Verizon could also be affecting machines in the Dyckman Street stations.
“In either case, our crews work as quickly as possible to restore full functionality to the machines,” the MTA spokesman said, advising commuters to bring cash.
Verizon did not immediately return a request for comment.
