Can You Swipe Your Soul Into the Subway? Or, The Great MetroCard Mystery
So, you've got an iPhone. Shiny, sleek, and full of promises. You can order food, hail a ride, and even unlock your apartment with a simple tap. Naturally, you're thinking, "Surely, I can swipe into the subway with this magical device too, right?" Wrong-o, my friend. Wrong-o.
The MetroCard: A Relic of the Past (Or So You'd Think)
The MetroCard. A piece of plastic that's seen more grime than a subway seat. It's the ultimate test of patience: waiting in line, swiping, hoping it doesn't eat your fare, and then praying it doesn't get lost or stolen. It's like a real-life game of Russian roulette, but with less excitement and more swearing.
Apple Wallet: The Future of Payments (Except for the Subway)
Apple Wallet, on the other hand, is a digital utopia where your cards live in harmony. You can add your credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, and even your boarding passes. It's like having a tiny, magical wallet that can do everything except brew you coffee. But alas, the MetroCard remains stubbornly analog.
So, Can You Add Your MetroCard to Apple Wallet?
Short answer: Nope. Not yet, anyway. The MTA (those wonderful people who run the subway) is slowly phasing out the MetroCard in favor of OMNY, a contactless payment system. This means you can use Apple Pay to tap in and out of the subway, but you can't actually add your existing MetroCard to your Wallet app. It's like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, but with less frustration and more public transportation.
The Future is Now (Kind Of)
While we wait for the MetroCard to finally kick the bucket, there's a glimmer of hope. You can use Apple Pay Express Transit to tap in and out of the subway without even opening the Wallet app. It's like magic, but with less wands and more turnstiles.
So, while you can't quite achieve full-on smartphone supremacy in the subway just yet, the future is looking brighter. Just remember, patience is a virtue, and so is carrying enough cash for emergencies.
How To...
- How to use Apple Pay for the subway: Enable Express Transit in your Wallet app, then simply tap your iPhone on the OMNY reader.
- How to check your MetroCard balance: Dial 311 from your phone.
- How to avoid subway rush hour: Become a morning person, work from home, or move to the suburbs.
- How to find a seat on the subway: Arrive early, be flexible, or practice your parkour skills.
- How to survive the subway: Wear headphones, bring a good book, and develop a thick skin.