NashTransit

Sweating the Little Stuff

I missed my bus a week ago Sunday, trying to go home from Music City Central. My delay? Trying to find a functioning fare kiosk that would take my credit card for a new 31-day adult pass.

Every kiosk I tried invited me to use my credit or debit bank card, and once inserted, it sat and waited for a minute or two until finally telling me it failed to authorize. (There's nothing wrong with my card, and in fact I tried my debit card too, with no luck.) I tried upstairs, and tried downstairs. Perhaps fortunately not all of the kiosks were even turned on, otherwise I might have spent even more time hunting around.

When the next bus came around, I paid with the cash I had on hand, a $20 bill.

The kiosks aren't working today, either. This time, since it's not Sunday, there was someone at the ticket booth to sell me a fare card. She said the kiosks had been disabled because of 'theft'. Fair enough, but a simple sign on the kiosks to that effect would be useful. Five minutes in Word, a printer, and a piece of tape or two per machine. Will the kiosks return to full functionality soon? No idea.

I try to not be too hard on MTA because I really believe in their mission, and I know that they're still reeling from the floods in May. They have big plans and a lot to do. But while we talk big picture stuff like BRT, streetcars, and trains, it's really important not to forget the little stuff that riders deal with every day. Just a little simple communication can do wonders.

I see that @Nashville_MTA is now on Twitter. No posts yet, but maybe that's a good sign!

[update] It took a little while, but the problem did get fixed. Still think a sign would have been a good idea in the meantime!