Just When You Mastered That Wrist Flick

The Daily News reports on a pilot project this spring to use EZ-Pass-like plastic payment cards in place of Metrocards:

It could be the beginning of the end of the line for the MetroCard.

Manhattan subway riders on the Lexington Ave. line soon will be able to pass through turnstiles by holding plastic payment cards — or tags small enough to fit on key chains — in front of electronic readers, authorities said yesterday.

That could mean speedier trips through turnstiles that sometimes reject MetroCards, which rendered tokens obsolete two years ago.

“No more multiple swiping,” cheered Beverly Dolinsky, executive director of the New York City Transit Riders Council, which has clamored for “smart card” technology in the tubes for years.

So-called smart cards use computer chips to transmit information and are increasingly being used to pay for mass transportation and other purchases across the country.

A total of 26 stations will be rigged for a six-month pilot program, set to start this spring, involving the MTA, Citigroup and MasterCard.

They will include all the Lexington Ave. stations in Manhattan, the 23rd St./Ely Ave. station (E,V) in Queens and Jay St./Borough Hall (A,C,F) in Brooklyn.

It’s a significant step toward the creation of a single payment pass for subways, buses and commuter railroad trains in the tristate region.