Good-bye T Token...Hello CharlieCard

[liz_marcs]

Because I can't resist...

The last brass token for the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) sold at 10:23 a.m. today at Government Center station to an East Boston woman... — Read more about the last MBTA token

Good-bye little brass T token, hello Charlie!





It's the end of an era. Truly.

You know what that means, right?

Music download!

M.T.A. — Kingston Trio
But did he ever return?
No he never returned,
And his fate is still unlearned. (Poor ol' Charlie.)
He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston,
He's the man who never returned... — Read more about the history of the song 'M.T.A.' and Charlie, the man who never returned.

Because everyone knows that when you're naming the SmartCard that will allow people to use your public transportation system, you must name it after the guy who was not only trapped on the T, but got so lost that he never, ever returned.

Gawd, I love my city...

Comments

[liz-marcs.livejournal.com]

Nope. Usage is gone, too.

And yeah, I think you're right. It was more of a local push to name it Charlie than a happy embrace by TPTB.

[leenah.livejournal.com]

'cause *we* all know crap when we see it. :)




well, okay, not CRAP, but a hassle. and it's been a hassle. every morning i watch little old ladies scatter their change on the bus 'cause they can't manage to get the coins in the new, more difficult coinslot.

whoever designed it should get an award for bad design.