I had an incredible weekend with Metrocards that makes me wonder how many people are being screwed over by the 
. So Thursday I purchased a brand new Metrocard (an Express Bus Plus card)... Paid $58.25... Friday I decided to put another Express Bus Plus card on that card since it would mean not having to fill up for the next two weeks. As soon as I did that at the 57th street station, my card malfunctioned. I tried swipping it to get the 
train and all I got was a "Swipe Card Again" message. I got the impression that some of the staff there knew that some of the turnstiles were a mess but were letting people swipe anyway because there was a guy outside of the booth in addition to the Token Booth Clerk that told me to just go through the gate.
So after having spent $115.50, I had basically nothing to show for it, and was forced to buy yet another NEW Metrocard for $58.25. There were so many MVMs either messed up at three stations I was at that it was really incredible. One machine at 57th street was basically debiting people's cards (mine included) without giving them a Metrocard. At Herald Square, numerous swipes were necessary for just about everybody at each turnstile, and the same was true at some turnstiles at Union Square. It just seems crazy to me that the can be allowed to run in such a manner. The total monies I spent between Thursday and Saturday was $212.75. The original $115.50, I will have to reimbursed for, then I have to wait for $19.50 to clear my account that was charged in error when I decided to get a pay-per-ride after the original card started malfunctioning.
I admit that it's the first time in a while that I've had an issue, but at the same time, there were wayyy too many turnstiles and MVMs screwed up, and it always seems to be during the weekends. It's like no one touches the machines until Monday. For a system that runs 24/7 that seems rather ridiculous. In short I think there should be some changes to the way in which the handles Metrocards and their turnstiles and MVMs. For all of the aggravation, you also usually lose one day from any pass that you have with them which is insane, since they are given your money in advance and will hold on to it (with interest accruing) until they issue you a new card (or cards) in the mail.
Something else that I find odd.... Recently had a pay-per-ride and was short on the $2.75 fare for the shuttle bus... Put in $0.15 in change and then dipped my card. Despite putting in change in advance, the remaining amount on that Metrocard was taken, which shouldn't have happened. Yet again money that the gets to keep...