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MTA Gave Out More Refunds For Lost or Stolen MetroCards This Year Than Last

 The Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued refunds to 5,500 claims of lost or stolen MetroCards in the month of May alone.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued refunds to 5,500 claims of lost or stolen MetroCards in the month of May alone.
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Flickr/Paulmmay

FINANCIAL DISTRICT — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued refunds for more than 5,000 claims of lost or stolen MetroCards each month this year, according to agency data.

They validated 5,500 such claims in May of this year, a more than 25 percent increase from May of last year, according to data provided by the MTA at their monthly board meeting on Monday.

The average refund issued in was $71.09, the MTA said.

The average was similar in March and April, $71.79 and $70.76, respectively. More than 6,100 refunds were issued in March, a 17.24 percent increase from March of last year, and 5,567 were issued in April, a 15.53 percent increase from the previous year.

Straphangers who use their debit or credit card to buy 30-day unlimited MetroCards or seven-day unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCards from vending machines or MetroCard Express Machines can contact the MTA for a refund if their card is lost or stolen.

The MTA verifies all claims and issues refunds on a pro-rated basis, based on the day when the straphanger notifies the agency that the card is lost.

The refunded money goes on the person's credit or debit card. The MTA keeps track of MetroCard refund data on a monthly basis.

MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz credited the increase in refunds to increased ridership.

"More riders buying more MetroCards. More MetroCards misplaced so more claims being processed," Ortiz said.

Individuals can make up to two claims a year, but the second claim carries a $5 handling charge. The first one is free.