I don't have a well thought-out impression of this BART credit card idea just yet. I'm still thinking about it. My initial impression is...how much did it cost to launch this program and why couldn't we just spend that on something else? My second impression was...if you only gain points by buying BART tickets with the BART credit card, it will take forever to get free BART tickets.
Take a look at Contra Costa Times' article about this new BART credit card program.
Based on Linton Johnson's statements, I believe part of BART's intention is good, but I don't know if I'd risk my credit score opening yet another credit card. Also, watch out for the interest rates!
Some people can really save from this, especially those who spend $10 a day, 5 times a week. I guess I'm lucky since my employer gives me commuter checks. I probably won't need to apply for this credit card because the money I spend from my own pocket on tickets is a small amount.
2 comments:
I'd like to know the financial details of this transaction, because I want to be assured that the cost of those free tickets comes only from the royalties paid to BART by the credit card company and not out of any operating budget. I'll be damned if I'm going to let them use my fares or tax dollars to subsidize freebies that are only open to the percentage of riders who can pass a credit check.
Who cares about a credit card? What I want to see is FastPass technology in BART stations. No swiping or inserting anything. Leave your ticket in your pocket and just walk into the station at full speed.
Hook it up to the FastPass financial transaction system, too, so you never have to worry about being short of a fare.
Of course, then you have to figure out how to keep cheaters out of the station. But hey, a guy can
dream, can't he?
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