MARTA needs to get its automated act together (credit card, to buy)

[ATLTJL]

A couple of weeks ago, tried to buy a couple of one-way Breeze cards at the MLK MARTA station. Machine took credit card, then spit out nothing, but a receipt saying one of the cards didn't go through. Receipt had instructions for getting a refund for the $3.50. A few problems here...

1) The machine gave me zero tickets, not one, so it really owes me $7.
2) The number to claim the refund is a general MARTA number. You have to go through tons of automated menus just to learn the office that handles this is only open 8am-5pm.

ADVICE - If the machines are going to malfunction, at least set up a special number for refunds. And have it open during SOME times when people aren't busy at work.

I'm just eating the $7 instead of wasting time going through menus and dealing with MARTA.

Kind of curious as to whether this is an isolated incident of if the machines are known to malfunction.

[flyonpa]

I had one of the MARTA ticket machines @ North Springs Charge me and not issue Breeze Card, Got Card from Machine next to it.

Was able to call during office hours and get refund.

But my feeling on Good Customer service is the call center should be open for all hours plus 1 hour before/after that MARTA operates.

As for some offices/service like refunds, If the call center can not take the request, the refund department should have a voice mail that you can leave all the details, and they call you back during there business hours.

Yes, there Phone Menu should be re-designed, and paired down to less options. But once made it should not change so they can "advertise" the options on the Receipt like Refunds: Options 1, then 4, then 6 on the menu. so you can get to the place you need to go without having to go thru all the menus.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

A couple of weeks ago, tried to buy a couple of one-way Breeze cards at the MLK MARTA station. Machine took credit card, then spit out nothing, but a receipt saying one of the cards didn't go through. Receipt had instructions for getting a refund for the $3.50. A few problems here...

1) The machine gave me zero tickets, not one, so it really owes me $7.
2) The number to claim the refund is a general MARTA number. You have to go through tons of automated menus just to learn the office that handles this is only open 8am-5pm.

ADVICE - If the machines are going to malfunction, at least set up a special number for refunds. And have it open during SOME times when people aren't busy at work.

I'm just eating the $7 instead of wasting time going through menus and dealing with MARTA.

Kind of curious as to whether this is an isolated incident of if the machines are known to malfunction.

Use the phone located near the fare gates, MARTA will send someone maybe PD and they will assist you.
Do you get this pissed when your car gets a flat you have to pay $200 for a new tire?

[ATLTJL]

I'm not pissed. I really couldn't care less.

But this looks bad for out of town visitors.

Do you blame customers and defend poor service for every establishment your frequent, or just your precious MARTA?

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

I'm not pissed. I really couldn't care less.

But this looks bad for out of town visitors.

Do you blame customers and defend poor service for every establishment your frequent, or just your precious MARTA?

You refused to use the options available to get your money back.

[alco89]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

A couple of weeks ago, tried to buy a couple of one-way Breeze cards at the MLK MARTA station. Machine took credit card, then spit out nothing, but a receipt saying one of the cards didn't go through. Receipt had instructions for getting a refund for the $3.50. A few problems here...

1) The machine gave me zero tickets, not one, so it really owes me $7.
2) The number to claim the refund is a general MARTA number. You have to go through tons of automated menus just to learn the office that handles this is only open 8am-5pm.

ADVICE - If the machines are going to malfunction, at least set up a special number for refunds. And have it open during SOME times when people aren't busy at work.

I'm just eating the $7 instead of wasting time going through menus and dealing with MARTA.

Kind of curious as to whether this is an isolated incident of if the machines are known to malfunction.

Irritating, isn't it? While it's never happened to me before on MARTA, it has happened to me with WMATA in DC.

[ElleKaye]

Originally Posted by alco89

Irritating, isn't it? While it's never happened to me before on MARTA, it has happened to me with WMATA in DC.

Like the OP, it has happened to me at MARTA before. I think it was probably my first ride, but it was relatively easy to get help. I was standing there empty-handed looking at the machine in confusion because I could not tell whether it was user error or what but felt like I had done my part to get something in my hand. Anyway, one of the officers helped me as soon as I asked.

[TripTychTwo]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

A couple of weeks ago

Yeah, you posted about it then. When can we expect the next post about how bad the Marta machines are?

https://www.city-data.com/forum/atlan...es-sheesh.html

Why are you such a troll?

[alco89]

Originally Posted by TripTychTwo

Yeah, you posted about it then. When can we expect the next post about how bad the Marta machines are?

https://www.city-data.com/forum/atlan...es-sheesh.html

Why are you such a troll?

You know, I thought I remembered them creating a post about it before, but I was too lazy to look it up.

[magnetar]

Originally Posted by TripTychTwo

Yeah, you posted about it then. When can we expect the next post about how bad the Marta machines are?

https://www.city-data.com/forum/atlan...es-sheesh.html

Why are you such a troll?

I was wondering who was going to point out that this poster has already aired this particular grievance before.