CTA - Chicago Cards Breaking More Easily? (Time: credit card, bus)

[Lookout Kid]

Like many others, I made the switch over to the Chicago Card Plus about five years ago. The first card I received lasted for more than three years before the plastic finally cracked. However, every card I've had since then just stops working after a year or so--or sometimes after just a few months. They will appear to be in good condition, but will just stop working at the turnstyle. Has anyone else noticed that these cards break more easily now? They look the same, but I suspect they are pinching pennies in the manufacturing process...

[long101]

Your talking about not working with the transponder right? Ive noticed that as well. For the first month or two when I get a new card it always works with the first swipe. After a couple of months Im the guy that is hitting his wallet against the sensor to make it register

[eevee]

this reason, on top of the CC bonus that was eliminated in January, is why I dumped my CC and just went w/ the regular paper passes. I had to replace two cards at $5 each in less than 2 years, and I'm very careful w/ them (never took it out of my wallet)

[Lookout Kid]

So you switched to a paper monthly pass? I don't ride often enough for the monthly rate to make sense, and I'm hesitant to go back to the re-fillable cards since I often ride the bus (and you have to refil them at train stations).

[eevee]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

So you switched to a paper monthly pass? I don't ride often enough for the monthly rate to make sense, and I'm hesitant to go back to the re-fillable cards since I often ride the bus (and you have to refil them at train stations).

well, now I use my upass, but yeah, I used the paper pass between semesters and will use it during the summer.

[hank0604]

So when your chicago card stops being read at the turnstile, and you have to replace it, do you lose the money that's on it? If so, that sucks.

It might have something to do with your wallet. Some more exotic leathers have a reputation for demagnetizing credit cards and such. Or, if you're using money clip with a magnetic closure, that could also be a reason.

[scarletneon]

Originally Posted by hank0604

So when your chicago card stops being read at the turnstile, and you have to replace it, do you lose the money that's on it? If so, that sucks.

It might have something to do with your wallet. Some more exotic leathers have a reputation for demagnetizing credit cards and such. Or, if you're using money clip with a magnetic closure, that could also be a reason.

No, you don't lose your money, but if you use it as a monthly pass, you do lose the TIME you can use it, because it will still reload at the same time.

The chips in the cards aren't SUPPOSED to be able to demagnetize, i don't think, but the myth has spread so much that even the customer service people at the CTA tell you not to put it next to a credit card.

[Lookout Kid]

I often have mine next to a security card for my office. I may have to separate the two.

[scarletneon]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

I often have mine next to a security card for my office. I may have to separate the two.

Yeah, it says on the web site that other "smart" cards will interfere with it.